Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

What is a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test?

A prostate-specific antigen test, or PSA test, is a blood test that measures the amount of PSA in the body. PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland. An elevated PSA level can indicate a higher risk of prostate cancer, as cancerous prostate tissue produces PSA.

A PSA test is used to screen men for prostate cancer. A PSA test can catch prostate cancer early, which increases the chance of more effective treatment. Other tests will also be performed at the same time as a PSA test, such as a digital rectal exam.

What is a normal PSA level?

Normal PSA levels vary according to your age. PSA levels rise slowly as you get older, but this doesn’t mean you have prostate cancer or another problem that affects the prostate.

PSA levels in the blood are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). Normal levels are:

• Age 40 – 50 years: 0 - 2.5ng/ml
• Age 50 – 60 years: 2.5 - 3.5ng/ml
• Age 60 – 70 years: 3.5 - 4.5ng/ml
• Age 70 – 80 years: 4.5 - 5.5ng/ml

Any PSA level that is above the average range for your age group is considered an elevated PSA level.

Why is a PSA test carried out?

Testing men’s PSA levels is very common. Doctors recommend all men over 40 attend regular prostate screening, which includes a PSA test.

Men who have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer may be advised to attend earlier or more regular screening. If you have a family history of prostate cancer or you are black, you may be at an increased risk. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your risk of prostate cancer.

A PSA test is also recommend to men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer as it can assess how effective your treatment is, and is used to check that the prostate cancer hasn’t returned.

What happens during a PSA test?

A PSA test involves taking a sample of blood from a vein and takes just a few minutes.

If your PSA test indicates a level that is elevated for your age range, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, but it may be an indication that you are at an increased risk. Your doctor will recommend other tests for prostate cancer, which may include:

• Imaging tests: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or an ultrasound take detailed images of the prostate.
• Prostate biopsy: If imaging tests reveal anything suspicious, a prostate biopsy may be performed. This involves removing a sample of prostate tissue and testing it for cancer. This is the only way prostate cancer can be diagnosed and staged.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer usually has no symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening is so important. As it progresses, the following symptoms may develop:

• Changes in urination (incontinence, weak urine flow or a burning sensation)
• Pain in the lower back, chest or hips
• Bone pain
• Weight loss

If you are over 40, you have a family history of prostate cancer, or you have any symptoms of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about a PSA test.