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Prostate cancer is the most prevalent male cancer. About 209,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and 41,800 lives will be lost due to the disease. Prostate cancer is curable. Early detection is the best way to control the disease. Also, the PSA test has reduced the number of biopsies performed which have an average cost of $ 1,500.
What is PSA?
The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate. Since the late 1980's PSA has been used clinically and is currently used to detect, stage and monitor prostate cancer. Small amounts of the protein can be measured in the blood.
Who is at risk for prostate cancer?
Most prostate cancer cases occur in men over 65 years of age. African-Americans, workers exposed to industrial tire and rubber manufacturing, mechanics, farmers, sheet metal and cadmium workers have a higher incidence of prostate cancer.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Signs of prostate cancr include weak or interrupted flow of urine, blood in the urine and infrequent urination.
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Who should get the PSA test?
Men 50 years and older should have a digital rectal exam (DRE) and PSA test each year. African-Americans and those at higher risk should begin at 40. Talk with your health care professional to determine how frequently the test should be done. The PSA test is now available as a home diagnostic PSA kit.
What do the PSA scores mean?
PSA scores (standard) are a measure of the amount of PSA circulating in the blood. Using statistical methods a table has been devised that shows the likelihood of developing cancer based on the PSA value (in ng/mL).
0-2 ng/ml 1% probability of cancer
2-4 ng/ml 15%
4-10 ng/ml 25%
>10 ng/ml >50%
Though certain circumstances and activities can increase the PSA level, it may be an important indicator of prostate disease.
(Scientific/ technical report on this assay published in Clin. Chem. (1996) Apr, 42(4) 536-44.)
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