PSA Test for Prostate Cancer

PSA Test – An Introduction

PSA test for prostate cancer is a type of blood test that can help diagnose prostate-related issues. It is also one of the major tests done for diagnosing prostate cancer.

Here’s  detailed info on the PSA test to help you know what happens if you get a test, and what PSA results may indicate:

What is the PSA test?

This is a blood test to measure the exact amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by healthy cells present in the prostate. This protein may also be made by prostate cancer cells.

It is pretty standard to have a small amount of PSA in the blood. This amount may rise to some extent as one gets older and with the enlargement of the prostate. A rise in PSA level may indicate a problem with the prostate. However, this does not necessarily mean cancer.

Your general practitioner must discuss this test with you in detail.

Am I a Candidate for a PSA test?

You are a candidate if you are  50 years old. If, you are over 45 years of age and have a higher risk of prostate cancer (African American or having a family history of the condition), you may discuss having a test with your GP (general practitioner).

A PSA test is not recommended for you if you don’t show any symptoms. Some men may be offered a PSA test as an integral part of a general check-up.

What does the PSA test indicate?

A rise in PSA level can indicate a problem with the prostate. This may be due to the following:

• An enlarged prostate
• Prostatitis
• Prostate cancer

Several other things may also result in a rise in PSA levels. Hence, it is natural if your GP asks you to go for different tests to find out the exact cause.

Pros and Cons of the PSA Test

It is essential to know about the varied pros and cons of getting a PSA test. Here’s what you need to know:

Pros

• The test can help detect prostate cancer even before you observe any symptoms.
• The test will help detect fast-growing cancer at an early stage. At this stage, treatment will stop the cancer from spreading and causing problems.
• This test is more helpful for men at higher risk of prostate cancer. It will help detect any changes in PSA level and decide on the best treatment for prostate cancer.

Disadvantages

You may have some concerns about the rise in PSA level. However, the PSA test can miss detecting prostate cancer.
If your PSA level is raised once, you may need more tests, including a biopsy. Biopsy may lead to side effects, such as blood in semen/urine, pain, and infection.

You may be diagnosed with a slow-growing prostate cancer. Such types of cancers may never cause any problems for the patient. This may also not affect the life span of the patient. However, being diagnosed with cancer can cause unnecessary stress. You may decide to have treatment even if you don’t need it.

Treatments for prostate cancer have some severe side effects on patients that can affect their daily lives. These may include issues with the bowel and urinary tract. Erection problems are also common among prostate cancer patients.

Baseline PSA Test

This test involves having a PSA test even when your risk of getting it is low. It is aimed at helping experts understand your risk of getting prostate cancer in the future. For instance, if a man’s PSA level is slightly higher in his 40s, he may have a higher risk of getting prostate cancer in the future.

What level of PSA indicates cancer?

High PSA levels does not guarantee you have prostate cancer. There is no fixed PSA level that suggests you have prostate cancer or not. You need to get a prostate biopsy to be sure of the cancer.

A PSA level between 4 and 10 implies you have 25% chance of having prostate cancer. In case you have a prostate level greater than 10, you have 50% chances of having prostate cancer. It is important to talk to your healthcare professional about Prostate biopsy if the levels are found in this range.

How to lower your PSA quickly?

There’s no fixed way to lower your PSA levels. However, according to some research, making changes to your lifestyle and diet may help reduce PSA levels. These tips include –

• Eating more foods that contain Lycopene. Lycopene is a chemical that gives a few fruits and vegetables its red or pink color. It may have potential anticancer properties.
• Have greater intake of plant based diet. Eating more vegetables and legumes may increase your immunity and prevent cancer cell growth.
• It is necessary to consume Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones and boosts your immunity system.
• Increase physical activity. The more you exercise, the more it will help to keep your PSA levels low.

Understanding Your PSA Test Result

PSA is usually measured in nanograms per mililitre of blood (ng/ml). There is no single PSA reading that is considered normal. The reading differs from person to person and increases as the age increases. Particularly, most men have a PSA level of less than 3ng/ml.

Your doctor may refer to a specialist if your PSA level is –

Age	PSA Level
Between 40 and 49	More than 2.5 ng/ml
Between 50 and 59	More than 3.5 ng/ml
Between 60 and 69	More than 4.5 ng/ml
Between 70 and 79	More than 6.5 ng/ml

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the warning signs of a prostate cancer?

A: The warning signs of the prostate cancer are –

• Peeing Changes
• Pain in your lower back, hips, or chest
• Blood in your pee or semen
• Bone pain
• Unexpected weight loss
• Erectile dysfunction and painful ejaculation

What is an alarming PSA level?

A: PSA levels above 10ng/ml typically indicate a higher risk of prostate cancer.

When should I know the results of a PSA test?

A: You should get the results of a PSA test within one week. A healthcare professional may contact you to schedule a follow up appointment to discuss further.

When is a PSA test performed?

A: PSA tests are very common. If you have a prostate, your healthcare professional may recommend getting a PSA test every two to three years, starting around age 50.