The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) estimates that more than 174,000 men in the United States are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. It’s most common in men around the age of 65, however, it can occur in men as young as 40.
Since prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in men, getting a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is important for your health. A PSA test is one of the best procedures when it comes to screening for prostate cancer as it can detect it early and may help stop it from spreading.
Here at Male Method, we specialize in men’s sexual health and are committed to sharing the importance of getting a PSA test.
Why are PSA levels important?
PSA is a type of protein produced by your prostate gland. While it’s largely found in semen, small traces are released into your bloodstream. If large amounts of PSA are found in the blood, it often means there’s a problem with the prostate gland.
Aside from prostate cancer, there are a few different reasons why a man’s PSA levels may be high:
- Prostatitis
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Prostate stimulation (e.g. sexual activity)
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Race
Some of these factors, like BPH, cause swelling in the prostate, which may lead to excessively high levels of PSA.
A PSA test can help determine if you have prostate cancer
When a PSA test is performed, you get a blood sample drawn from your arm to measure your PSA levels.
There are two types of PSA tests: A standard PSA test and a free PSA test.
A standard PSA test looks at the overall PSA value, meaning the total amount present in the blood and how quickly it rises over time. A free PSA test measures the amount of PSA found in the bloodstream that isn’t bound to proteins. It’s important as it measures the ratio of free PSA to total PSA.
If PSA levels are high, your doctor might perform additional tests, like a digital rectal exam (DRE), to check for an enlarged prostate.
What is considered a high PSA level?
A normal PSA range typically depends on your age and race. Here are the ranges for age and PSA levels, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation:
- 40s: 0-2.5 ng/mL
- 50s: 0-4 ng/mL
- 60s: 0-4.5 ng/mL
- 70s: 0-6.5 ng/mL
The risk of prostate cancer is 60% higher in African American men, however, the reason for this is unknown. Allways consider your demographics during a PSA test for accurate results.
When should you get a PSA test?
It’s rare for prostate cancer to show early warning signs, which makes getting your PSA test all the more important. Prostate cancer grows slowly and usually responds better to treatment with fewer side effects if caught at an early stage.
If you’ve never had your PSA levels tested, our team of experts at Male Method can determine if it’s right for you. To learn more, book an appointment either online or by phone today.
