What is the significance of psa test

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Get more information from nidirect. What is a baseline PSA test? There is currently no screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK. List of references. Urol Clin North Am. The Lancet. January Obesity and Prostate Cancer: Weighing the Evidence. Eur Urol. Clin Cancer Res. Prostatitis and its Management. Eur Urol Suppl. Published Accessed January 4, Board of Community Health Councils.

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Detection of prostate cancer following gender reassignment. Lower urinary tract symptoms in men: assessment and management. June National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Prostate cancer: diagnosis and management. NICE guideline A PSA test may be done to: help find prostate cancer early in those who don't have any signs or symptoms of the disease check for cancer in those who have signs or symptoms of prostate cancer plan treatment for prostate cancer monitor those with prostate cancer who are being treated with active surveillance find out if prostate cancer treatments are working find out if prostate cancer has come back recurred after treatment.

A PSA test is often used together with a digital rectal exam DRE to increase the chance of finding prostate cancer early when it is easier to treat. Using these tests together is better than using either test alone. Make an informed decision about whether the PSA test is right for you by talking with your doctor and considering your risk. Your PSA levels will determine how often you get tested. The decision to stop testing is based on your PSA levels, age and general health.

Almost every test or procedure has benefits and limitations. Before having any test, it's important to be aware of them so that you're making an informed decision that's right for you. Testing for prostate cancer early — before you have any symptoms — is your choice. A PSA test can find prostate cancer early, before it grows large or spreads outside of the prostate. Finding cancer early can mean that treatments will be more successful. A false-positive result on a PSA test suggests that you might have prostate cancer when you actually don't.

This happens quite often with PSA testing and only about 1 in 4 abnormal results is due to cancer. A false-positive result can lead to unnecessary testing that is more invasive, such as repeated biopsies. It can also cause you and your family unnecessary anxiety and distress. A false-negative result means that the test shows that the PSA level is normal even though prostate cancer is present.

Not all prostate cancers cause a high PSA level. Overdiagnosis means diagnosing prostate cancer that would never pose a serious threat to your health. Overdiagnosis can lead to having treatments that aren't necessary called overtreatment. But most men diagnosed with prostate cancer still choose to have treatment. Unnecessary testing and treatment put you at risk for side effects, including erectile dysfunction and loss of bladder control called urinary incontinence. Although PSA testing may find prostate cancer early, research has shown that it still may not reduce the chance of dying from prostate cancer.

A PSA test is a blood test that is done in a lab or hospital. Many things can affect PSA levels including ejaculation, riding a bike, certain medical procedures involving the prostate and certain medicines or herbs. Your doctor will give you instructions for how to prepare for your PSA test.

Certain drugs can lower PSA levels and affect your results. Tell your doctor if you are taking drugs for benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH , prostatitis, urinary problems, baldness or transgender hormone therapy.

PSA levels depend on age. If you have a prostate, your PSA levels naturally go up as you get older. But PSA can go up and down for many reasons. Some researchers use a lower cut-off PSA level to help them decide who has the greatest risk of prostate cancer.

It's important for you to discuss your PSA test result and what it means for your risk of prostate cancer with your doctor. Your doctor will help you determine your risk of prostate cancer in relation to your age, family history and other personal information.

A higher than normal PSA level doesn't mean that you have prostate cancer. High PSA levels can also be caused by:.