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What is a PSA Level?

The American Cancer Society has determined that one in six American males can acquire prostate cancer in their lifetime. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) procedure is a preliminary screening test. The advantage of following your PSA level is that potential prostate cancer can be detected in its early stages.

  1. Prostate-specific antigen

    • Cells produce a protein in the prostate

      Cells in the prostate gland produce a protein known as Prostate-specific antigen. If the ranges of normal levels are elevated, it may indicate an infection, non-malignant tumor or cancer of the prostate.

    Preventive measures

    • Men 50 years of age or older should have a yearly screening blood test of their PSA level during an exam.

    Identification of level

    • PSA level is determined through a blood test

      A blood sample is taken and the results indicate the level. This is used to detect abnormalities in the area of the prostate.

    Levels

    • Because a range of factors--including age, overall health and family history of prostate cancer--can affect an individual's chances of developing the disease, doctors often don't like to pinpoint what might be generally considered a normal PSA level. The medical profession does concur that anything above a level 10 is a strong indicator of prostate cancer.

    Limitations

    • Elevated PSA levels are indicators that something may be amiss. Further testing and a biopsy is needed to determine if prostate cancer is present.

    Considerations

    • Using the PSA test alone to screen men for prostate cancer is controversial because the results of the PSA levels may not be 100 percent accurate. False positives and false negatives do occur, the levels can fluctuate between screenings and doctors disagree on what is a "normal" level.

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