The prostate, a walnut-shaped gland inside the pelvis, is a crucial part of the male reproductive system. The Prostate plays a vital role in regulating urination in men, but its primary function is to secrete fluid that protects sperm post-ejaculation. Given the importance of this organ, taking measures to protect your prostate health is an important part of male healthcare. After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer to affect men in the United States. Because prostate cancer is so common, it is normal to screen for prostate cancer during a routine doctor visit.  There are two acceptable types of routine screenings in the United States: the Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) and the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. This blog will focus on the latter. Read more about DRE vs PSA.

How common is prostate cancer?

It is said that 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with it in their lifetimes. Identifying prostate cancer early is key to successful treatment. In the preliminary stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, so routine screenings are important. When found early, since the cancer grows slowly, most men with prostate cancer have a higher probability of beating the cancer after medical treatment. If the tumor grows beyond the prostate and metastasizes to the bone, the cancer becomes more difficult, but still possible, to cure. Treatment can slow growth and prolong life expectancy.

What is a PSA test, and how accurate is it?

The gold standard in the healthcare industry for prostate cancer screening and prevention is the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.

In the 1960s and 1970s, scientists were looking for tumor-specific antigens that may be useful as biomarkers for certain types of cancer. By 1979, T. Ming Chu, Ming Wang, and their research group at Roswell Park Memorial Institute in New York developed the ELISA immunoassay that became useful for blood testing, specifically, the PSA blood test. Thanks to their research and up until the early 1990s, the PSA blood test has become clinically useful for monitoring the course of patients already known to have prostate cancer. In 1994, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the PSA blood test for first-line screening for prostate cancer.

What PSA levels are normal and dangerous?

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the PSA level in blood is measured in units called nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Healthcare providers and medical researchers have not determined a “Normal” PSA Level, though there are medians depending on the age of the patient. Men aged between 40-50 have a median PSA range of 0.6 - 0.7 ng/mL. Whereas men in their sixties have a median range of 1.0 – 1.5 ng/mL.

The chance of having prostate cancer increases as the PSA level increases, but according to experts, there is no set cutoff point that can tell for sure if a man does or does not have prostate cancer. Doctors will consider the age and size of the prostate to determine cancer status. An abnormal rise in PSA score may be detrimental to your health. Scores rising more than .35 ng/mL in a single year should consult with their physician.

It is especially important to discuss test results with a physician who will understand what the results would mean to you, regardless of age and PSA Score.

When should you take a PSA test?

While general guidelines recommend starting routine PSA blood tests at 55 years old, however, you may want to consider screening for Prostate Cancer at 40-54 if:

• An Immediate family member, such as a brother or father, has been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer
• At least two extended family members, such as a cousin or uncle, have had prostate cancer
• You are Black/African Americans, as black Americans have a higher risk of developing more aggressive cancers.

Prostate Cancer screenings are most beneficial when a man is aged 55-69, as this is the period when men are more likely to get prostate cancer. You should consult your physician as to how often you should screen for prostate cancer, though every 2-3 years is enough for most men.

How to buy a PSA test online

Request A Test provides a quick, hassle-free way to order your own PSA blood test. Just order the test online or by phone and go to a lab near you. 

Why choose Request A Test?

• Affordable pricing
• Over 7,000 convenient nationwide locations
• Same-day testing and rapid results
• No doctor's order or insurance is required.

Preventive screening is important for diagnosing cancer early. With Request A Test, you are empowered to take charge of your health. In addition to the PSA, we offer a full selection of cancer screening blood tests and hundreds of other testing options. Do not wait. Place an order or contact us at 888-732-2348 today to get started.

References:

• https://www.malecontraceptive.org/blog/what-is-the-prostate?
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
• https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-age-specific-screening-guidelines
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/15282-elevated-psa-prostate-specific-antigen-level

DISCLAIMER: The medical information in this post is for informative purposes only

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