Common blood tests for prostateThe prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bla... Full Definition cancerCancer is a group of diseases where cells grow abnormally an... Full Definition measure Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), an enzymeEnzymes are molecules that accelerate chemical processes in ... Full Definition produced in the prostate that ends up in sperm and also in the bloodstream. An elevated PSA level doesn’t always mean cancer; almost any type of irritation can cause PSA to rise. But it’s a simple, non-invasive test that can detect a problem early and lead to further tests.
Who is this test best for?
Men over 50 should ask their primary care doctor if they recommend this exam to screen for prostate cancer. Men with an elevated risk of the disease should have this discussion in their 40s. Prostate cancer risks are higher for men with a family history of the disease, men of African American descent, and overweight men.
What to Expect
Blood drawn from the arm will be tested for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), an enzyme produced by the prostate that floats freely in the blood. PSA level rises with age, and men of different ethnicities may have naturally higher PSA levels, so normal PSA levels have a range. Your doctor will take your personal situation into account and determine what a "normal" PSA looks like for you.
It's also important to remember that an elevated PSA level does not definitively indicate cancer. Other causes of high PSA levels could be inflammation caused by prostatitis or a benign prostate enlargement. If your PSA is elevated, your doctor may recommend additional tests.
Who orders or performs the test?
What are common side effects?
None