Information About Prostate & PSA Levels

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in men. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009 there were over 190,000 new cases of prostate cancer and over 27,000 deaths from prostate cancer. Early detection improves the odds of survival, and screening through the PSA test is one method of early detection.

Anatomy and Physiology

• The prostate is a male reproductive gland located just below the bladder. The prostate produces a fluid that is one component of semen.

Recommendations

• The American Cancer Society recommends that all men age 50 and up should discuss screening via the PSA test and a digital rectal exam with their doctor. For men at higher risk, including African-Americans and men with a familial history of early prostate cancer, the discussion should begin at age 40 to 45.

PSA test

• The PSA test determines the amount of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood.

PSA Results

• High levels of PSA (4.0 ng/mL or higher) indicate a need for further testing and have been correlated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. A high PSA level, though, could indicate other, more benign, conditions.

Further Testing

• If a high PSA level is found the doctor will likely order a prostate biopsy. During a biopsy the doctor takes small tissue samples to be examined in the lab to look for cancerous tissue.