The PSA Test
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. The good news is that when prostate cancer is detected early, it is highly treatable. One tool that doctors use to detect prostate cancer is the PSA test.
A PSA test is a simple blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. When the prostate gland is healthy, the PSA level in your blood is low. However, if there is a problem with the prostate gland, such as prostate cancer, the PSA level in your blood can rise.
Whether or not you should get a PSA test depends on your age, your risk factors for prostate cancer, and your overall health. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that men between the ages of 55 and 69 talk to their doctors about whether or not they should get a PSA test. Men who are at higher risk for prostate cancer, such as African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, may benefit from starting PSA testing at an earlier age.
While the PSA test is a simple and non-invasive test, it is not perfect. A high PSA level does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer, and a low PSA level does not necessarily mean that you don't have prostate cancer. In fact, some men with prostate cancer have normal PSA levels, and some men with high PSA levels do not have prostate cancer. Additionally, the PSA test can lead to false positives, which can cause unnecessary worry and lead to unnecessary follow-up tests and procedures.
If you get a high PSA result, don't panic. Remember that a high PSA level does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. Your doctor will likely recommend additional tests, such as a prostate biopsy, to determine whether or not you have prostate cancer. If you do have prostate cancer, there are many treatment options available, including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
The PSA test is a valuable tool for detecting prostate cancer, but it is not perfect. If you are between the ages of 55 and 69, or if you are at higher risk for prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about whether or not you should get a PSA test. And remember, a high PSA result does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. If you do get a high PSA result, follow your doctor's recommendations for further testing and treatment. By being proactive about your prostate health, you can increase your chances of detecting prostate cancer early and receiving effective treatment.