What Is the Right Level for the PSA?

Almost since the discovery of PSA, there has been controversy over what is an acceptable level. Doctors hoped it would be an accurate marker for prostate cancer, but at slightly elevated levels, it can be caused by several conditions.

Definition

• PSA stands for prostate specific antigen and is produced by the prostate. It is measured using a simple blood test. Traditionally, any level of 4.0 ng/ml or below was considered normal.

Significance

• Above-normal PSA levels can be caused by prostate irritation, infection, enlargement or cancer. Some men might have high levels for no known reason.

Age-Related Levels

• As men age, PSA levels typically increase even when no disease is present. Urologists now consider any reading above 2.5 ng/ml to be high for men younger than 50, but a reading up to 6.5 ng/ml is normal for a 70-year-old.

Other Factors

• One slightly elevated PSA reading (under 10 ng/ml) is usually not a concern, but a steadily rising PSA level over one or two years is suspicious and further diagnostic tests such as a prostate biopsy might be indicated.

Theories

• Some studies have shown that a daily aspirin results in lower PSA levels. More research is needed to determine if this reduces cancer risk.