Your Quick Guide to PSA Tests

It’s common to be confused about PSA: what it is, what your PSA level means, whether you should have a PSA test and where you can get one.

What is PSA?


PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. PSA is a chemical made by the prostate, which is secreted into the semen. However, small amounts of PSA  find their way into the blood.

PSA is used as a prostate cancer test, but it’s normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood.

What does a PSA test involve?


A PSA test is a blood test for prostate cancer. A small amount of blood will be taken from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory to measure your PSA levels. This can be done in your doctor’s surgery.

You may also be offered a digital rectal examination, and some urine tests.

What happens after your PSA tests depends on your results. If you have slightly elevated PSA, you will be called back to have the test repeated at a later date. If you have a high PSA, your doctor may discuss referring you to a specialist, and you will be offered further tests such as a biopsy and/or an MRI.

What is a normal PSA?


PSA levels vary by age. Normal PSA for a seventy year old will be higher than normal PSA for a forty year old.

 

Age Normal PSA
50−59 years Up to 3 ng/ml
60−69 years Up to 4 ng/ml
70−79 years Up to 5 ng/ml

Does an elevated PSA mean I have cancer?


About 3 out of 4 men with a raised PSA level will not have cancer.

A high PSA (also called raised PSA or elevated PSA) can be a sign of common prostate problems which are not related to cancer, such as prostatitis, or even a urine infection. Certain sports and medications may also temporarily affect PSA levels. You should avoid sexual activity for 48 hours before a PSA test. This is because ejaculation can temporarily increase your PSA levels.

If you decide to have a PSA test, your doctor will talk to you about what you should do before your test to help get an accurate result. It is important that you tell your doctor about any medications you are taking, including over the counter remedies and any kind of herbal or natural health supplements.

What are the benefits of PSA tests?


PSA tests can pick up some prostate cancers before they have any symptoms. This means that the patient can then make a decision about whether they should undergo treatment or watchful waiting for their cancer.

It can also mean that if the cancer is fast growing, it may be possible to start treatment early enough to stop the cancer spreading beyond the prostate and becoming advanced prostate cancer.

What’s wrong with PSA testing?


There are concerns about a PSA test’s real ability to detect prostate cancer. About 3 out of 4 men with high PSA will not have cancer and about 1 in 7 prostate cancers can be missed.

Most men with high PSA tests will undergo a biopsy, which is a painful and invasive procedure. There are also concerns that many prostate cancers detected by PSA will never cause any problems, leading to unnecessary treatment and worry.

Should I get a PSA test?


That’s a decision only you can make.

We hear from many men who did get PSA tests and want more people to get tested. This is because they believe catching their cancer early saved their life.

Some people argue that PSA testing should be given to all men, as it’s the best test we currently have. Others feel that it is not accurate enough and that the potential risks, especially of unnecessary biopsy and treatment and the related quality of life issues, mean that PSA is not a good option.

Speaking to your doctor about a PSA test does not commit you to having one.

Other good sources of information include:

Your Doctor will discuss the pros and cons of PSA testing with you in light of your personal medical history, and can arrange a PSA test for you.

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