The PSA test, or PSA screening, is a technique used for
diagnosing potential prostate cancer patients. PSA stands for
prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland.
Since the protein can be used for detecting disease and is naturally
produced in the body, it is often referred to as a tumor marker or a
biological marker.
Men normally have low PSA levels in their blood. In prostate cancer patients or for people who have benign prostate conditions, however, PSA levels are abnormally high. This becomes more common as men age so they are usually the ones who undergo the PSA test.
Although PSA level is not really a clear determinant of whether a man has cancer or just benign prostate conditions, it helps doctors determine whether to perform further tests or not. If a man is found to have high PSA level, he is usually subjected to the digital rectal exam or DRE. The PSA test and the DRE together help detect prostate cancer even in men who show no symptoms.
The PSA test is usually recommended for men who are 40 years old and above. They are the ones who have a high risk of cancer of the prostate. Some doctors even recommend the test yearly for men 50 years and older. Although prostate cancer is predominant on older men, young men may be recommended to undergo the test if they have a history of the disease in their families or if they have very unhealthy diets.
Since the PSA test is still not very conclusive in detecting prostate cancer, it is still the subject of many studies and researches. Many doctors and researchers are currently working on improving the test's accuracy and effectiveness.
Men normally have low PSA levels in their blood. In prostate cancer patients or for people who have benign prostate conditions, however, PSA levels are abnormally high. This becomes more common as men age so they are usually the ones who undergo the PSA test.
Although PSA level is not really a clear determinant of whether a man has cancer or just benign prostate conditions, it helps doctors determine whether to perform further tests or not. If a man is found to have high PSA level, he is usually subjected to the digital rectal exam or DRE. The PSA test and the DRE together help detect prostate cancer even in men who show no symptoms.
The PSA test is usually recommended for men who are 40 years old and above. They are the ones who have a high risk of cancer of the prostate. Some doctors even recommend the test yearly for men 50 years and older. Although prostate cancer is predominant on older men, young men may be recommended to undergo the test if they have a history of the disease in their families or if they have very unhealthy diets.
Since the PSA test is still not very conclusive in detecting prostate cancer, it is still the subject of many studies and researches. Many doctors and researchers are currently working on improving the test's accuracy and effectiveness.
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