The PSA blood level test is used to find prostate cancer in men before symptoms appear, according to the Mayo Clinic. PSA stands for prostate specific antigens. American Cancer Society statistics for 2009 show that 192,280 new cases were diagnosed, and 27,360 men died of prostate cancer.
Get your PSA test.
Definition
The PSA is a specific protein produced in the prostate gland. The level of PSA is measured in blood taken from the prostate gland, and all men have some of this protein there. The results of PSA tests are reported as nanograms of PSA per 1 milliliter of blood. The normal amount is determined by your health professional, as there can be many variables.
Recommended PSA Testing
Men should start having PSA blood tests at 50 years of age as recommended by the National Cancer Institute website (cancer.gov). Men who are at higher cancer risk should start getting tested at age 40. It is important to have a complete prostate exam along with the PSA test.
Purpose
Early detection of prostate cancer can be helpful in determining the course of treatment. The PSA test is one of several methods of diagnosing prostate cancer and will also help monitor changes in already present tumors, help judge the effectiveness of ongoing treatment and check for recurring cancer.
Prevention
There are several ways you can help prevent prostate cancer, including eating sensibly to maintain a suitable weight. Eat lots of fresh produce and whole grains and limit saturated fats. The Mayo Clinic also recommends eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, getting adequate vitamin D and limiting alcohol consumption.
Controversy
PSA tests are not without controversy. According to the National Cancer Institute, PSA tests have not been proven to save lives, and sometimes they detect very small tumors that may not become life-threatening, but the ensuing cancer treatment could be. In addition, a PSA test can sometimes indicate high levels but be caused by another condition besides prostate cancer.
Tags: prostate cancer, Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, National Cancer, National Cancer Institute, prostate gland
