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Contents
  • Understanding PSA Levels
  • Factors That Affect PSA Levels
  • Advances in PSA Testing

Is PSA Testing the Key to Prostate Health?

Is PSA Testing the Key to Prostate Health?

What's This About?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is a common method for screening prostate health, but its effectiveness is often debated. Let's explore the ins and outs of PSA testing and what it means for you.
Contents
  • Understanding PSA Levels
  • Factors That Affect PSA Levels
  • Advances in PSA Testing

Understanding PSA Levels

PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. The levels of PSA can help determine the extent of prostate cancer and the response to treatment. However, interpreting these levels can be tricky, as they may be influenced by various factors such as age, medications, and even physical activities like cycling.

Factors That Affect PSA Levels

Several factors can cause PSA levels to rise, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer, and infections. Additionally, medications like 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and NSAIDs can alter PSA levels. Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate interpretation of PSA test results.
PSA testing is used to screen prostate health by measuring prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood, which can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

Advances in PSA Testing

New concepts like PSA density and PSA velocity are being explored to refine the interpretation of PSA levels. These methods aim to improve the specificity of prostate cancer screening, especially in cases where PSA levels fall within a gray zone.

FAQs

What is a normal PSA level?

Normal PSA levels vary with age; for example, a 60-year-old might have a normal range of 0 to 4.5 ng/mL.

Can medications affect PSA levels?

Yes, medications such as finasteride and NSAIDs can lower PSA levels.

Is PSA testing reliable for cancer detection?

PSA testing is useful but not foolproof; it can miss cancers or indicate false positives.

How long after biking should I wait to test PSA?

Bicycling generally doesn't affect PSA, but if concerned, avoid it just before testing.

The Bottom Line

PSA testing can be a useful tool for prostate health monitoring, but understanding its limitations is key.
Curious about your PSA levels? Talk with Doctronic to learn more about prostate health testing.
Additional References
  1. Lilja H, et al. Clin Chem 1991; 37:1618.
  2. Balk SP, et al. J Clin Oncol 2003; 21:383.
  3. Coley CM, et al. Ann Intern Med 1997; 126:394.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.