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PSA Test Q&A
Should I get a PSA test?
- Men should receive a PSA test annually beginning at age 50
- African American men, and if there is a family history of the disease, men should begin PSA testing at age 45
One in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and only one in 33 will die of it. Prostate cancer is sometimes so slow growing that it causes no signs or symptoms and may not be a threat to the length or quality of your life.
Since PSA testing became available, the death rate from prostate cancer has decreased substantially. However, PSA testing isn't perfect and it isn’t completely clear which men with prostate cancer will benefit from aggressive treatment; therefore, you and your doctor should discuss your need for a PSA test.
What is PSA?
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous and non-cancerous prostate tissue. PSA helps liquefy the semen and enters the bloodstream at variable rates depending on the health of the prostate. Because PSA is present in both non-cancerous and cancerous prostate cells, it's not specific to only prostate cancer. However, cancer cells usually make more PSA than do non-caner cells, causing PSA to rise early in the course of prostate cancer. However, conditions other than prostate cancer can cause PSA levels to rise, including non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, inflammation of the prostate and other less common conditions. Some prostate cancers may not produce much PSA, so the digital rectal examination remains an important part of evaluating the prostate.
Information you need to know before taking a PSA test
Besides the PSA number itself, other factors go into interpreting PSA scores including your age, the size of your prostate and how quickly your PSA levels are changing. Before you get a PSA test, be sure to tell your doctor if you are using finasteride for hair loss (Propecia) or finasteride for benign prostatic hypertrophy (Proscar). Studies show that finasteride can significantly decrease your measured PSA levels. Other medications that contain components of male or female hormones also can change your PSA value, so let your doctor know about all of the medicines and supplements you are using.
PSA Guidelines and Risk Factors
Knowing the risk factors for prostate cancer can help you determine when you want to begin prostate cancer screening. The main risk factors include:
- Men should receive a PSA test annually beginning at age 50
- African American men, and if there is a family history of the disease, men should begin PSA testing at age 45
- Diet. A high-fat diet and obesity may increase your risk of prostate cancer.
Talk to your doctor about your need for PSA testing.
Need a Doctor?
If you do not have a primary care doctor and would like more information about providers at Clarian Arnett Health, please call our Patient Referral Department at 765.474.MYMD or 866.377.MYMD or visit the Providers and Services section.
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