What does the Prostate Screening Test measure? The Prostate Screening Test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. It is normal for men to have low levels of PSA in the blood; however, prostate cancer or non-cancerous conditions associated with the prostate gland, can increase the level of PSA. From the age of about 45 the frequency of prostate conditions can increase. The most common of these are prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is enlargement of the prostate. There is no evidence that prostatitis or BPH cause cancer, but it is possible for a man to have one or both of these conditions and to develop prostate cancer as well. PSA levels alone do not give doctors enough information to distinguish between non-cancerous prostate conditions and prostate cancer. However, the doctor will take the result of the PSA test into account when deciding whether to check further for signs of prostate cancer. Why is the Prostate Screening Test performed? The Prostate Screening Test is performed along with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to help detect prostate cancer in men age 50 and older if the levels of PSA are elevated. During a DRE, a doctor feels the prostate gland through the rectal wall to check for bumps or abnormal areas. Together, these tests can help doctors detect prostate cancer in men who have no symptoms of the disease. The Prostate Screening Test can also be used to monitor patients with a history of prostate cancer to see if the cancer has come back although an elevated PSA level in a patient with a history of prostate cancer does not always mean the cancer has recurred. For whom might a Prostate Screening Test be recommended? Some doctors recommend an annual Prostate Screening Test for men over age 50, and some advise men who are at a higher risk for prostate cancer to begin screening at age 40 or 45. Others prefer to discuss the risks and benefits on an individual basis and encourage men to make personal decisions about screening. Several factors need to be taken into consideration when a doctor recommends screening. Age is the most common risk factor; nearly 70 percent of prostate cancer cases occur in men age 65 and older. Other risk factors are family history, race, and possibly even diet. Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer. There is some evidence that a diet higher in fat, especially animal fat, may increase the risk of prostate cancer. What should I do if the Prostate Screening Test shows raised levels of PSA? If the Prostate Screening Test shows raised levels of PSA you should discuss the results with your doctor who may want to carry out further tests. It is worth noting that as with most diagnostic tests it is possible to get false positives and false negatives, if you are still worried, see your doctor. |
