If you or someone close to you has faced cancer, you know how much information there is to digest. You may have heard your healthcare team mention the PSA test while talking about prostate cancer. Here’s a comprehensive look at what the PSA test is, how it works, and what its results can mean:
What Is PSA?
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. This protein is produced naturally by the prostate gland, a part of your body that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra in men. Although all men have PSA in their bloodstream, the levels of PSA can differ due to various reasons, such as age or prostate conditions.
How Does the PSA Test Work?
A PSA test is a simple blood test. It measures the amount of PSA present in a man’s blood. After drawing a small sample of blood, a laboratory analyzes it to find out the PSA level. The result is reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood. You won’t need to follow any complicated preparations before a PSA test. It is usually done as part of a routine blood draw, either in your doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.
Why Measure PSA Levels?
Understanding your PSA level can give your healthcare provider helpful information about your prostate health. While the prostate produces PSA all the time, certain changes in the body can cause its level in the blood to rise.
- Natural changes: PSA levels can increase gradually as men get older, even in the absence of disease.
- Non-cancerous conditions: An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or infection (prostatitis) can also boost PSA levels.
- Prostate cancer: One of the reasons a higher PSA level is monitored closely is that it can point to prostate cancer.
An elevated PSA result does not automatically mean cancer is present. Other factors, like a recent infection, procedure, or even bicycle riding, can increase PSA temporarily.
What Happens After a High PSA Result?
If a test finds that your PSA level is higher than expected for your age group, your doctor may recommend additional tests. These might include a repeat PSA test, a digital rectal exam, where the doctor checks the prostate for lumps or changes, or imaging like an MRI. Sometimes, a biopsy is suggested to obtain a small tissue sample from the prostate for closer examination. Your medical team will guide you through these options, discussing benefits, risks, and what to expect from each step. Decisions about next actions are always made together, considering your health, preferences, and personal history.
What Are the Advantages of PSA Testing?
The PSA test offers a convenient way to begin looking for signs of prostate cancer. When high PSA levels are identified, it can prompt early follow-up, even before any symptoms appear. For some, this means finding and treating prostate cancer sooner, which can improve outcomes and reduce uncertainty.
Book an Appointment To Check for Prostate Cancer
Ask questions, express your concerns, and look for support as you manage the information and decisions ahead. Understanding your PSA test result is one part of your prostate health. With open communication, reliable information, and a strong support system, you can make informed choices about your care. Contact local support networks or cancer organizations if you’re facing a PSA test or have received results.
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