Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by normal cells of the prostate gland. While low levels of prostate-specific antigen can be detected in men of all ages, these levels increase when the prostate becomes inflamed or enlarged. As men age, benign and cancerous prostate conditions become more common - that's why a PSA test is important as a man grows older.
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is part of the male reproductive system, helping to produce and store components of seminal fluid and control the rate at which urine flows from the bladder into the urethra.
How Does PSA Testing Work?
A PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in a man's blood.
“A PSA test is a blood test to measure disease of the prostate gland,” says Dr. Peter House, a physician and HealthChoicesFirst.com partner. “What a PSA blood test is measuring is three possible conditions within the prostate gland. One is the risk of a microscopic cancer that may be hiding in the gland and not detectable by physical examination, two, acute inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, with or without prostate cancer in the gland. And, the most common reason that PSA levels are elevated is benign - meaning innocent enlargement of the gland due to age.”
According to Prostate Cancer Canada, one in six men will develop prostate cancer during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect Canadian men. Stats show that most cases of early prostate cancer are found by a PSA blood test.
To perform a PSA test, a medical professional will draw blood from your arm, and the sample will be sent to a laboratory for examination. If your PSA test shows elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen, your doctor will discuss further prostate testing options with you.
“The PSA test should be started on males aged 45 to 50 and should be done on an annual basis so that the rate of change can be carefully evaluated,” says Dr. House. So, if you're a man 45 years of age or older, talk to your physician about PSA testing and prostate health.