Men rejoiced when the PSA blood test came out to screen for prostate cancer.
Not only did it provide early cancer detection but also meant that some men could avoid the dreaded
physical exam for a few more years.
What the Test Measures
The PSA blood test measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) that’s in blood.
The prostate, a small gland located below the bladder in men, produces PSA.
It can be created by both non-cancerous and cancerous cells so PSA isn’t all bad.
The Prostate and PSA
The prostate also produces semen so semen is where most of the PSA is found.
However, the blood has some trace amounts circulating.
A large amount of PSA in the blood indicates something is wrong.
This could be an indication of prostate cancer.
It could also be other issues like an inflamed or enlarged prostate.
Follow Ups
Those with high PSA levels in the blood are scheduled for a followup exam with their doctor.
He will do a physical exam and may do an MRI or CT scan to determine the prostate’s condition.
Those men over 50 and who are of average risk for prostate cancer are urged to get both the blood test and the physical exam annually.
High risk men start getting exams at 45 years old.
Why Get the Blood Test
Men who may have a higher risk will benefit from taking the blood test earlier in life to keep up with
early detection, even though they may not be old enough for a physical exam.
Older men take the blood test for the earliest possible cancer detection.
A physical exam isn’t sufficient to catch some cancers early and imaging is only used in cases where cancer is suspected.
A PSA blood test is simple, easy and usually covered by insurance.
Conclusion
There is no reason why middle-aged men shouldn’t include a PSA test as part of their routine physical.
Bloodwork is typically drawn anyway and knowing you aren’t at risk gives you peace of mind.
