Wondering whether to get a PSA test? You’re not alone. Many men find it challenging to decide due to conflicting information and concerns about the test’s accuracy. However, the fact remains that a PSA test is a crucial indicator of prostate health, and every man should take it.
Understanding PSA and its role in prostate health
PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is produced by cells in the prostate gland. While it’s usually found in the prostate gland and semen, small amounts of PSA are also present in the bloodstream. The PSA test measures this amount.
Higher PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate issues, so measuring your baseline PSA is vital. If your level has changed by the time of your next test, it could signal a problem.
Why is the PSA test controversial?
The PSA test doesn’t definitively tell you if you have prostate cancer, prostatitis, or some other benign condition. Some men have high PSA levels and no cancer, while others have low levels and do have cancer. Despite its limitations, the PSA test can detect prostate cancer, which often has no symptoms.
Therefore, it’s on the list of the top 10 tests that every man over 50 should take. It’s especially important for men at high risk, such as those over 65, with a family history of prostate cancer, belonging to a high-risk ethnic group, or leading an unhealthy lifestyle.
False positives and the need for additional tests
The high number of false positives with the PSA test has led to unnecessary biopsies and stress for many patients. To provide a more complete picture of a patient’s prostate health, doctors should also perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) and possibly a prostate biopsy after a PSA test.
There are newer tests available that can help men make more informed decisions about their prostate cancer treatment. One such test is a urine test that scans for molecular markers specific to prostate cancer, which can show whether tumors are aggressive or slow-growing.
Genomic tests can also analyze tumor genes to determine whether the tumor is likely to grow and spread, helping patients choose between active surveillance or immediate treatment.
Choosing whether to take the PSA test
The American Urological Association and the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for the PSA test are based on patient choice and aim to reduce the harm of unnecessary biopsies. Your decision should be based on your risk factors, health history, age, and lifestyle.
Discussing the test with your doctor can help you determine when to start and how often to take it. Take the test in your early 40s or even earlier if you’re at high risk for prostate cancer, and keep a record of your results.
Remember that prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of death in men in the US; many men don’t know they have it until they get a PSA test.
Managing your prostate health to lower cancer risk
Don’t worry about getting a false positive; use that information to improve your prostate health instead. Conditions such as an enlarged prostate or prostatitis, both of which can elevate your PSA levels, have ties to prostate cancer. Managing your prostate health may help you lower your risk factors.
If you’re concerned about a high PSA level without an identifiable reason, you can learn how to lower your PSA count naturally through diet and exercise.
Pre-test instructions
Lastly, if you decide to take the PSA test, avoid certain activities that can temporarily increase your PSA levels 48 hours beforehand. These include riding a bike, horse, motorcycle, or tractor, engaging in contact sports, receiving a prostate massage or DRE, and ejaculating. It’s essential to get the most accurate reading possible. Also, inform your doctor if you have factors that might affect your results, such as taking testosterone-boosting supplements, recent injuries or infections, or current medications.
