All About The PSA Blood Test For Prostate Cancer

What is the most common prostate problem?
The most common prostate problem is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Hyperplasia means too much growth, so BPH is an enlargement of the prostate. It can cause discomfort and problems urinating. More than half the men in the United States over age 50 have BPH. It is not cancer, but its symptoms are similar to those of prostate cancer. If you have an enlarged prostate, your PSA level may be high.

What is a PSA blood test?
During your digital rectal exam (called DRE), your doctor may have felt something unusual and ordered a PSA test. Or the blood test may be part of your annual checkup and your doctor has suggested more tests because your PSA level is high. The PSA blood test is an important tool in helping to detect prostate cancer, especially when it is done along with a DRE.

The PSA test measures a substance called prostate-specific antigen made by the prostate. It is normal to find small quantities of PSA in the blood. The PSA --as with any medical test- needs explanation and follow-up by your doctor. PSA levels differ according to age and tend to rise gradually in men over age 60.

What if my PSA is high?
If you had normal results on a digital rectal examination and your PSA is slightly high, your doctor may want to repeat the test to see if the PSA remains high. If your doctor felt something unusual during your DRE, more tests may be needed.

One of these is a transrectal ultrasound. Sound waves are used to create an image of your prostate on a screen to help detect tumors.

How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of cancer must be made by biopsy, which is often done at the time of your ultrasound. During a biopsy, small pieces of prostate tissue are removed and examined under a microscope for cancer. The biopsy is done quickly and most men find it causes only a small amount of discomfort. It is important to follow up with your doctor if something unusual is found on the digital rectal exam or your PSA level is high.

If your doctor has ordered more tests or suggested repeating the PSA test, keep your appointments. Don't let fear keep you from having the tests you need to detect -- or help rule out -- cancer.

Prostate cancer is most successfully treated when found early. Early prostate cancer may have no symptoms. It can only be found by regular prostate checkups. The PSA test, rectal exam, and ultrasound are the best methods available today to detect prostate cancer early. Your doctor will recommend the tests you need.

What if I have more questions about the PSA blood test and prostate cancer?
For more information about early detection of prostate cancer, call your local American Cancer Society or 1-800-ACS-2345.

Reasons for having a PSA higher than normal

• Enlarged prostate-BPH--Can raise PSA level two to three times higher than normal level. Can cause discomfort and problems urinating. Common problem -- more than half of men 50 years old have it.
• Infected or inflamed prostate--Can raise PSA level two to three times higher than normal.
• Biopsy or operation on prostate--PSA level may not return to normal for several weeks.
• Cancer cells in prostate--Although there is no PSA level that tells whether or not you have cancer, the higher the PSA level, the higher your chance of having cancer.

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