Chapter 1 - Pre-cancer screening

1.1 PSA

What is PSA?

PSA is a protein (prostate-specific antigen) produced by cells that line the small glands inside the prostate. When a man has prostate cancer, his PSA levels tend to increase which is why a PSA test is often used by physicians to screen for prostate cancer.

What is a PSA Test?

To conduct a PSA test, a physician will take a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for analysis. A PSA test result is an important factor when determining a prostate cancer diagnosis, plan, and treatment. However, an elevated PSA does not always mean a man has prostate cancer. Additionally, a low PSA does not mean that cancer is not present.

Understanding your PSA results

In general, doctors often consider PSA levels of 3.9 ng/mL and lower to be normal depending on your age. It is also important for your doctor to track any increases in your PSA levels as these increases may suggest the presence of cancer even if your PSA is in the normal range.

According to the American Cancer Society ® , men with a PSA level between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL have a 25% chance of having prostate cancer. Men with a PSA level greater than 10.0 ng/mL, their chance of prostate cancer is over 50% 1

Common causes of an elevated PSA

Age

It is normal for PSA levels to increase gradually with age.

Medical Procedures

Any of the following medical procedures could potentially lead to a rise in PSA:

• Prostate Biopsy

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

• Urethral Catheter

• Cystoscopy

Urinary Tract Infection

If you have been diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, this could irritate or inflame the prostate cells that could lead to a result of a falsely elevated PSA.

Sexual Activity

Participating in a sexual activity that involved ejaculation within about 48 hours before testing can affect PSA results.

Certain Medications and Supplements

Medications such as aspirin, statins, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or medication for urinary problems have the potential to affect PSA levels. Nutritional supplements such as testosterone can cause PSA levels to rise.