About all

Psa results by age. Age-Specific Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines: PSA Testing and Beyond

When should men start prostate cancer screening. What are the PSA test results by age. How to interpret PSA levels. What are the next steps after an abnormal PSA test. What are the latest prostate cancer screening methods.

Содержание

Understanding Prostate Cancer Screening: The Basics

Prostate cancer screening is a crucial aspect of men’s health, particularly as they age. The primary method of screening has been the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test for the past three decades. This blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in a man’s bloodstream.

However, determining when to start screening and how to interpret the results can be complex. Factors such as age, family history, ethnicity, and overall health play significant roles in making these decisions.

Why is prostate cancer screening important?

Prostate cancer screening is vital because it can detect cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective. Early detection can lead to better outcomes and potentially save lives. However, it’s important to balance the benefits of screening with the potential risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Age-Specific Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines

The age at which a man should begin prostate cancer screening varies depending on individual risk factors. Let’s break down the guidelines by age group:

Ages 40 to 54: Early Screening for High-Risk Groups

While general guidelines suggest starting screening at age 55, certain men may need to begin earlier. You should consider starting PSA testing between ages 40 and 54 if you:

  • Have at least one first-degree relative (father or brother) with a history of prostate cancer
  • Have two or more extended family members who have had prostate cancer
  • Are African-American, as this ethnic group has a higher risk of developing more aggressive prostate cancers

Ages 55 to 69: The Prime Screening Years

This age range is considered the most beneficial period for prostate cancer screening. Here’s why:

  • Men in this age group are most likely to develop prostate cancer
  • The benefits of treatment often outweigh the potential risks of side effects

For most men in this age group, screening every two to three years is sufficient. However, your doctor may recommend more or less frequent screening based on your individual risk factors and initial PSA test results.

Interpreting PSA Test Results: What Do the Numbers Mean?

Understanding PSA test results can be challenging, as the interpretation depends on various factors, including age and prostate size. Here’s a general guide to help you understand PSA levels:

PSA Levels for Men in Their 40s and 50s

For men aged 40-59:

  • Normal range: 0.6 to 0.7 ng/ml (median)
  • Abnormal: Greater than 2.5 ng/ml

PSA Levels for Men in Their 60s

For men aged 60-69:

  • Normal range: 1.0 to 1.5 ng/ml
  • Abnormal: Greater than 4.0 ng/ml

It’s important to note that an abnormal rise in PSA levels over time can also be a cause for concern. For instance, if your PSA score increases by more than 0.35 ng/ml in a single year, your doctor may recommend further testing.

Beyond PSA: Advanced Prostate Cancer Screening Methods

While the PSA test remains the primary screening tool for prostate cancer, newer methods have emerged to improve accuracy and reduce unnecessary biopsies. These advanced screening techniques can help better assess your risk for prostate cancer and determine whether a biopsy is necessary.

What are some of the newer prostate cancer screening tests?

Some of the advanced screening methods include:

  1. Prostate Health Index (PHI): This blood test combines three different PSA measurements to provide a more accurate assessment of prostate cancer risk.
  2. 4Kscore Test: This test analyzes four prostate-specific kallikrein proteins in the blood to predict the likelihood of aggressive prostate cancer.
  3. ExoDx Prostate Test: This urine-based test looks for three genes associated with aggressive prostate cancer.
  4. Multiparametric MRI: This imaging technique provides detailed images of the prostate, helping to identify suspicious areas that may require biopsy.

These tests can help reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies and improve the detection of clinically significant prostate cancers.

Navigating Abnormal PSA Results: Next Steps

If your PSA test results come back abnormal, it’s important not to panic. An elevated PSA level doesn’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. Here’s what you can expect next:

What happens after an abnormal PSA test?

  1. Repeat PSA Test: Your doctor may recommend repeating the PSA test to confirm the results.
  2. Additional Screening Tests: If PSA levels remain high, your doctor might suggest one of the newer prostate cancer screening tests mentioned earlier.
  3. Prostate Biopsy: If further testing indicates a high risk of prostate cancer, a biopsy may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Remember, only a prostate biopsy can definitively diagnose prostate cancer. However, the advanced screening methods can help determine whether a biopsy is truly necessary, reducing the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment.

Personalized Prostate Cancer Screening: Tailoring Recommendations to Individual Risk

Given the complexity of prostate cancer screening, it’s crucial to have personalized recommendations based on your individual risk factors. Here are some key points to discuss with your doctor:

  • Your optimal age to start prostate cancer screening
  • The most appropriate screening frequency for your risk profile
  • Which advanced screening tests might be beneficial in your case
  • Improved biopsy techniques, if a biopsy becomes necessary

By having an open dialogue with your healthcare provider, you can ensure that your prostate cancer screening plan is tailored to your specific needs and risk factors.

The Future of Prostate Cancer Screening: Emerging Technologies and Approaches

As medical research continues to advance, new technologies and approaches for prostate cancer screening are on the horizon. These innovations aim to improve the accuracy of detection while minimizing unnecessary interventions.

What are some promising developments in prostate cancer screening?

Several emerging technologies show promise for improving prostate cancer screening:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machine learning algorithms are being developed to analyze PSA trends, imaging results, and other data to improve risk assessment and detection accuracy.
  • Liquid Biopsies: These blood tests aim to detect circulating tumor cells or tumor DNA, potentially offering a less invasive alternative to traditional biopsies.
  • Advanced Imaging Techniques: New imaging modalities, such as PSMA PET scans, are being explored for their potential to detect prostate cancer more accurately and at earlier stages.
  • Genetic Testing: As our understanding of the genetic factors influencing prostate cancer risk improves, genetic screening may play a larger role in determining who needs more intensive monitoring.

While these technologies are still in various stages of research and development, they represent the ongoing efforts to improve prostate cancer screening and early detection.

Balancing the Benefits and Risks of Prostate Cancer Screening

While prostate cancer screening can save lives through early detection, it’s important to consider both the benefits and potential risks of screening. This balance is particularly crucial given the slow-growing nature of many prostate cancers.

What are the potential drawbacks of prostate cancer screening?

Some potential risks and drawbacks of prostate cancer screening include:

  • Overdiagnosis: Detecting slow-growing cancers that may never cause symptoms or require treatment.
  • Overtreatment: Unnecessary treatment of low-risk cancers, which can lead to side effects impacting quality of life.
  • False Positives: Elevated PSA levels can be caused by factors other than cancer, potentially leading to unnecessary anxiety and additional testing.
  • Complications from Biopsies: While rare, prostate biopsies can lead to complications such as infection or bleeding.

These potential drawbacks underscore the importance of personalized screening approaches and shared decision-making between patients and their healthcare providers.

How can men make informed decisions about prostate cancer screening?

To make informed decisions about prostate cancer screening:

  1. Educate Yourself: Learn about the pros and cons of screening, including the potential for overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
  2. Assess Your Risk: Consider your personal risk factors, including age, family history, and ethnicity.
  3. Discuss with Your Doctor: Have an open conversation about your individual risk-benefit balance.
  4. Consider Your Values: Think about how you view the potential outcomes of screening, including your comfort with uncertainty and your concerns about quality of life versus longevity.
  5. Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest guidelines and screening technologies as they evolve.

By taking these steps, men can make decisions about prostate cancer screening that align with their personal health goals and values.

Living a Prostate-Healthy Lifestyle: Beyond Screening

While screening is an important tool for early detection of prostate cancer, adopting a prostate-healthy lifestyle can play a significant role in reducing your risk. Certain lifestyle factors may influence prostate health and potentially lower the risk of developing prostate cancer.

What lifestyle changes can promote prostate health?

Consider incorporating these lifestyle habits to support prostate health:

  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Some studies suggest that tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower), and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids may be particularly beneficial for prostate health.
  • Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise has been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer and better outcomes for those diagnosed with the disease.
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake may increase the risk of several cancers, including prostate cancer.
  • Don’t Smoke: Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer and poorer outcomes after treatment.
  • Consider Supplements Carefully: While some supplements are marketed for prostate health, it’s important to discuss any supplement use with your healthcare provider, as some may interact with medications or have unintended effects.

Remember, while these lifestyle factors may contribute to overall prostate health, they do not replace the need for appropriate screening and medical care.

Can diet really impact prostate cancer risk?

While the relationship between diet and prostate cancer is complex and still being studied, some dietary patterns and specific foods have shown promise in potentially reducing prostate cancer risk:

  1. Mediterranean Diet: This diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, has been associated with a lower risk of several cancers, including prostate cancer.
  2. Lycopene-Rich Foods: Tomatoes and tomato products, which are high in the antioxidant lycopene, have been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer in some studies.
  3. Soy Products: Some research suggests that isoflavones found in soy may have a protective effect against prostate cancer, particularly in Asian populations where soy consumption is higher.
  4. Green Tea: Rich in polyphenols, green tea has shown potential anti-cancer properties in some studies, including possible benefits for prostate health.
  5. Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables contain compounds that may help protect against prostate cancer.

While these dietary factors show promise, it’s important to note that no single food or nutrient can prevent prostate cancer. A balanced, varied diet as part of an overall healthy lifestyle is the best approach to supporting prostate and general health.

Prostate Cancer: Age-Specific Screening Guidelines

Prostate Cancer: Age-Specific Screening Guidelines | Johns Hopkins Medicine











Reviewed By:



When should you start getting screened for prostate cancer ? The answer depends on multiple factors, including your age and family history.

Johns Hopkins urologist Christian Pavlovich, M.D., discusses what he wants men to know about today’s prostate cancer screening guidelines.

 




Prostate Cancer Screening Ages 40 to 54

The PSA test is a blood test that measures how much of a particular protein
(called prostate-specific antigen) is in your blood. It’s been the standard
for prostate cancer screening for 30 years.

Your doctor will consider many factors before suggesting when to start
prostate cancer screening. But he’ll probably start by recommending the PSA
test.

While the general guidelines recommend starting at age 55, you may need PSA
screening between the ages of 40 and 54 if you:

  • Have at least one first-degree relative (such as your father or
    brother) who has had prostate cancer
  • Have at least two extended family members who have had prostate cancer
  • Are African-American, an ethnicity that has a higher risk of developing
    more aggressive cancers

Prostate Cancer Screening Ages 55 to 69

This is the age range where men will benefit the most from screening.
That’s because this is the time when:

  • Men are most likely to get cancer
  • Treatment makes the most sense, meaning when treatment benefits
    outweigh any potential risk of treatment side effects

Most men will get prostate cancer if they live long enough. Some prostate
cancers are more aggressive; others can be slow-growing. Doctors will take
your age and other factors into consideration before weighing the risks and
benefits of treatment.

You should ask your doctor how often he or she recommends you get screened.
For most men, every two to three years is enough.

Depending on the results of your first PSA test, your doctor may recommend
you get screened less (or more) frequently.

Decoding a PSA Test

Doctors will consider your age and the size of your prostate when
determining what your PSA score means. In general:

  • For men in their 40s and 50s: A PSA score greater than 2.5 ng/ml is
    considered abnormal. The median PSA for this age range is 0.6 to 0.7
    ng/ml.
  • For men in their 60s: A PSA score greater than 4.0 ng/ml is considered
    abnormal. The normal range is between 1.0 and 1.5 ng/ml.
  • An abnormal rise: A PSA score may also be considered abnormal if it
    rises a certain amount in a single year. For example, if your score
    rises more than 0. 35 ng/ml in a single year, your doctor may recommend
    further testing.

An Abnormal PSA Test: What Comes Next?

If your PSA score is in the abnormal range, your doctor may recommend you
repeat the PSA test. If your levels are still high, your doctor might
recommend one of the newer prostate cancer screening tests available today.

These tests can help better assess your risk for prostate cancer and
determine whether a biopsy is necessary. Only a prostate biopsy can
definitively diagnose prostate cancer.

For individualized recommendations that suit you, ask your doctor about:

  • What age you should start prostate cancer screening
  • New blood, urine and imaging tests that are available
  • Improved biopsy techniques, if applicable



Related




  • Prostate Cancer Procedures

    Fertility After Prostate Cancer Treatment




  • Prostate Cancer Procedures

    Prostate Cancer Treatment: What to Know About Active Surveillance




  • Prostate cancer

    Prostate Cancer Stages


Related Topics


Prostate Cancer Stages | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Prostate Cancer Stages | Johns Hopkins Medicine






Following a prostate cancer diagnosis, staging is used to describe the extent of the disease. Prostate cancer staging is vital because it is used to guide the treatment plan and predict the patient’s prognosis.

Clinical Stages

The clinical stage is based on the results of the urologist’s physical examination of the patient’s prostate (including a digital rectal exam (DRE)) and any other tests done prior to definitive treatment (i.e., surgery or radiation).

The following clinical stages are used to describe prostate cancer:

  • T1: The tumor cannot be felt during the DRE or  seen during imaging (e.g., a computed tomography (CT) scan or transrectal ultrasound). It may be found when surgery is done for another medical condition.
    • T1a: The tumor is discovered accidentally during a surgical procedure used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the abnormal growth of benign prostate cells. Cancer is only found in 5 percent or less of the tissue removed.
    • T1b: The tumor is found accidentally during BPH surgery. Cancer cells are detected in more than 5 percent of the tissue removed.
    • T1c: The tumor is found during a needle biopsy that was performed because of an elevated PSA level.
  • T2: The tumor appears to be confined to the prostate. Due to the size of the tumor, the doctor can feel it during the DRE. The cancer may also be seen with imaging.
    • T2a: The tumor has invaded one-half (or less) of one side of the prostate.
    • T2b: The tumor has spread to more than one-half of one side of the prostate, but not to both sides.
    • T2c: The cancer has invaded both sides of the prostate.
  • T3: The tumor has grown outside the prostate. It may have spread to the seminal vesicles.
    • T3a: The tumor has developed outside the prostate; however, it has not spread to the seminal vesicles.
    • T3b: The tumor has spread to the seminal vesicles.
  • T4: The tumor has spread to tissues next to the prostate other than the seminal vesicles. For example, the cancer may be growing in the rectum, bladder, urethral sphincter (muscle that controls urination) and/or pelvic wall.


Pathologic Staging

Following surgery to remove the prostate gland, a pathologist will assign the Gleason score and stage. The pathologist uses the TNM Staging System to describe how far the prostate cancer has spread. This system describes the tumor (T), lymph node (N) and metastasis (M) to lymph nodes and/or bones or other organs.

Stage

T

N

M

I

T1a, T1b, or T1c

N0

M0

 

T2a

N0

M0

 

Any T1 or T2a

N0

M0

IIA

T1a, T1b, or T1c

N0

M0

 

T1a, T1b, or T1c

N0

M0

 

T2a

N0

M0

 

T2b

N0

M0

 

T2b

N0

M0

IIB

T2c

N0

M0

 

Any T1 or T2

N0

M0

 

Any T1 or T2

N0

M0

III

T3a or T3b

N0

M0

IV

T4

N0

M0

 

Any T (lymph nodes +)

N1

M0

 

Any T

Any N

M1

For T categories, please refer to the clinical stages section of this page. N0 indicates that the tumor has not spread to nearby lymph nodes while N1 means that it has. M0 means that the cancer has not spread to other areas of the body beyond nearby lymph nodes. M1 indicates that the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, including distant lymph nodes (M1a), bones (M1b) and organs such as the liver, brain or lungs (M1c).

Partin Nomogram

Your doctor may use the Partin tables to predict your pathologic stage. The new Partin nomogram defines pathologic stages as:

  • Organ-confined (OC) prostate cancer: This describes cancer found within the prostate gland.
  • Extracapsular extension (ECE) orextraprostatic extension (EPE):Thetumor has broken through the capsule of the prostate gland. It may or may not be operable.
  • Seminal vesicle (SV): The tumor has spread to the seminal vesicles adjacent to the prostate.
  • Lymph nodes (LN): The tumor has spread to the lymph nodes near the prostate gland.

Knowing the stage of prostate cancer can help to determine how aggressively it needs to be treated and how likely it is to be removed by the available treatment options.



Partin Tables

For decades, doctors around the world have used the Partin tables to guide treatment decisions. Developed by Johns Hopkins urologists Alan Partin and Patrick Walsh, the tables use features of each man’s cancer to predict whether a tumor will be confined to the prostate — making it easier to select the most appropriate therapies.


Use the Partin tables


Related




  • Prostate Cancer Procedures

    Fertility After Prostate Cancer Treatment




  • Prostate Cancer Procedures

    Prostate Cancer Treatment: What to Know About Active Surveillance




  • Prostate cancer

    Prostate Cancer Symptoms


Related Topics



90,000 PSA in the blood. What does it mean and what does it say.

  • General information
  • Normal PSA
  • PSA total and free
  • How to donate blood for PSA
  • How often do you need to donate blood for PSA
  • PSA after prostatectomy
  • PSA analysis price

The PSA blood test is a laboratory blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in a man’s blood. PSA is a protein produced in the male body by the prostate gland. An elevated PSA in a man’s blood indicates an abnormal function of the prostate gland and should be the first “bell” for a man. When PSA is elevated, this does not necessarily indicate the presence of a cancerous tumor in the gland, it can also indicate any inflammatory processes in the prostate.

The PSA test and its results are the reason for the attending urologist to take further steps in the treatment / diagnosis of the patient. Blood donation for PSA is included in the standard list of procedures for prostate diagnostics at the European Prostate Center.

We know how to help you

After a free consultation with our medical coordinator, you will know:

  1. How our clinic works with foreign patients
  2. Fixed cost of treatment
  3. What exactly is included in this fixed price
  4. What examinations are necessary (or possibly necessary) to be carried out at the place of residence
  5. How long the patient stays in the clinic

Request a free consultation


Normal PSA

that The prostate grows in size with age – this is natural. As the prostate grows, so does the PSA value, measured in nanograms per milliliter. Therefore, when we talk about “normal PSA levels”, it is important to understand the age of the patient in question. Table with normal PSA values ​​according to age:

Man’s age Normal total PSA
under 40 1.4 ng/ml
40 -49 years old 2. 5 ng/ml
50-59 years old 3.5 ng/ml
60-69 years old 4.5 ng/ml
70-79 years old 6.5 ng/ml

Elevated PSA, in combination with other examinations: MRI of the prostate, rectal examination, TRUS, may serve as a reason for the attending urologist to refer the patient for a prostate biopsy.

Very rare patients, about 1% of cases, where even with a low / normal PSA there is a chance that the patient has prostate cancer. Practice shows that in such cases we are talking about aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Elevated PSA alone does not indicate the presence of prostate cancer. However, urological clinics in Germany keep statistics and have developed the following table, which draws a parallel between the PSA value and the chance of detecting prostate cancer during a prostate biopsy. Statistics based on a survey of 2267 men:

PSA value Chance of prostate cancer
less than 2. 0 ng/mL 7.1%
between 2.0 and 3.9 ng/ml 18.7%
between 4.0 and 5.9 ng/ml 21.3%
between 6.0 and 7.9 ng/ml 28.6%
between 8.0 and 9.9 ng/ml 31.7%
more than 10.0 ng/ml 56.5%

According to statistics, in 13% of men over 55 years old, the PSA value in the blood exceeds 4 ng / ml, but this does not mean that they have prostate cancer. As mentioned earlier, elevated PSA can be caused by both prostate cancer and prostate adenoma (benign hyperplasia), prostatitis, infections in the genitourinary system.

German urological standard – with a PSA value above 10 ng / ml, bone scintigraphy of the bones of the skeleton is indicated

European Prostate Center

Reliable information about the nature of the disease: prostate adenoma or prostate cancer, can only be obtained after a prostate biopsy. To date, prostate biopsy is the only method that can determine the nature of the neoplasm with a 100% guarantee.

Detailed information about prostate biopsy


PSA total and free

PSA blood test used as a tumor marker in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. There are 2 values ​​of PSA in the blood: free and bound, the sum of the two values ​​\u200b\u200bis the total PSA. The ratio of free PSA in general is expressed as a percentage and looks something like this: PSA total – 5.54; PSA free – 0.98; % free PSA 18. Reference value >15%.

The lower the percentage, the greater the chance that the elevated PSA was caused by a malignant tumor (prostate cancer). If the indicator is below 10-15%, then this should be the reason to refer the patient for further examinations: ultrasound, TRUS, MRI, prostate biopsy.


How to donate blood for PSA

In our practice, we often encounter disagreements between the standards that are accepted in the CIS and in Germany. When conducting urological examinations in our center, when donating blood for PSA, we adhere to the following standards:

  • PSA can be taken no earlier than 4 weeks after the prostate biopsy
  • no earlier than 4 weeks after the end of the course of antibiotics
  • PSA is not necessary on an empty stomach, but it is desirable to avoid eating fatty foods
  • avoid two days before the test physical activity, sexual activity
  • do not expose the body to emotional stress a few hours before the test

How often do you need to donate blood for PSA

German urologists recommend annual urological examinations for men over 40 years of age, which include a blood test for PSA, especially for men whose close relatives (brother, father) have had cases of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer


PSA after prostatectomy

After a prostatectomy (removal of the prostate for cancer), the PSA value should approach zero. According to our radiologists, PSA values ​​higher than 0.2 ng/ml after prostate removal indicate a recurrence of prostate cancer.

The most modern medical diagnostic examination today – PSMA PET CT. This examination allows you to identify even small foci of the spread of prostate cancer cells.

Detailed information about Prostate Biopsy


PSA Test Price

Laboratory PSA blood tests are part of the urological examination package and are not performed separately.

Blood test for PSA, Kyiv, Pechersk

Oncomarker of prostate cancer – prostate-specific antigen (PSA, PSA). PSA decoding. Norm PSA

PSA total, free – early diagnosis of prostate cancer. Determining the level of PSA is the most important diagnostic method for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. Prostate specific antigen is a special protein that is produced by the tissues of the prostate and serves to liquefy semen after ejaculation. A certain amount of PSA enters the blood of a man and can be determined using special tests.

PSA is present in the blood as two fractions: free and bound PSA. The total value of free and bound PSA determines the total PSA. The norm of PSA in the blood of a healthy man should not exceed 4 ng / ml. Since the volume of the prostate can increase with age, the production of PSA increases and its concentration in the blood increases. Therefore, PSA levels in older men are higher than in younger ones. Determining the level of PSA is a very sensitive test for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer. This diagnosis is very important, since the initial stages of prostate cancer do not appear, and timely detection of the disease practically guarantees good treatment results.

Who needs a PSA test and when:

Current advice is that all men over 50 should have a PSA test, digital rectal examination, and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate at least once a year. Men with a family history of prostate cancer should have regular annual check-ups after the age of 40.

PSA age norm is as follows:

40 – 49 years PSA level is not more than 2.5 ng/ml.
50 – 59 years PSA level not more than 3.5 ng/ml.
60 – 69 years PSA level less than 4.5 ng/ml.
70 – 79 years PSA level not more than 6.5 ng/ml.

When PSA levels rise above 4 ng/mL, the chance of prostate cancer is 20-25%. If the PSA level is above 10 ng/ml, the chance of cancer is over 50%. As the PSA level rises, the chance of confirming prostate cancer increases.

Causes of elevated PSA levels

  • prostate cancer
  • prostate adenoma
  • chronic calculous prostatitis (prostate stones)
  • mechanical effect on the prostate (prostate massage, TRUS)

Full PSA analysis (ratio of free to total PSA):

An even more accurate version of the study, which determines the ratio of free and total PSA.
The normal free PSA level should not be lower than 10 – 15% of the total PSA level.
Free PSA (PSA) is more common in BPH, while bound PSA (PSA) is more common in prostate cancer. A high ratio of free to total PSA (more than 20%) is a false positive test result and is against the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Accordingly, a high PSA level with a low ratio (less than 10%) is observed in prostate cancer.

If the PSA level is above 4 ng/ml, but not more than 10 ng/ml, the possibility of prostate cancer exists, however, upon further examination, the diagnosis is not confirmed in most men. At a PSA level above 10 ng / ml, the likelihood of cancer increases significantly, however, a needle biopsy of the prostate is necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

In case of exceeding the PSA norm, a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate and a puncture biopsy are mandatory.

False positive PSA test result.

Higher PSA levels are not always the result of prostate cancer. The concentration of PSA in the blood can increase with prostate adenoma, exacerbation of prostatitis, after ejaculation, due to digital examination or prostate massage, bladder catheterization or prostate biopsy. Especially often, a false-positive increase in the PSA level above the norm is observed during ejaculation and after prostate massage in the presence of prostate stones, since the prostate tissue is traumatized by stones. According to some data, the PSA test can be false positive in 4 – 6% of cases, sometimes reaching 30%.
Therefore, proper preparation before taking the test is mandatory.

Comprehensive PSA analysis is also used to monitor the results of prostate cancer treatment. After complete removal of the prostate gland, the PSA level drops to zero. If, after a while, the level rises, the likelihood of a relapse of the disease is high.

Preparing for a PSA blood test

To avoid false results, it is best to have a PSA test immediately before or two weeks after a rectal digital examination.

During the initial consultation at the MedCenterService clinic, first, blood will be taken from your vein for a detailed PSA analysis, after which the urologist andrologist will conduct a rectal examination of the prostate gland, if necessary, take prostate secretion for analysis and perform transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate . Thus, all diagnostics of prostate diseases will be made during the first visit to the urologist. You will receive the test results and medical appointments the next day.

For more accurate test results, you need:
A pause of at least 1 month after prostate biopsy.
A pause of at least 2 weeks after digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate, bladder catheterization, cystoscopy and any other mechanical effects on the prostate gland.
At least 2 days of abstinence from sexual intercourse, eating meat, alcohol, cycling, physical overload, enemas.

The material for analysis is venous blood. The duration of the analysis is 1 working day.

In our clinic “MedCenterService” you can always take a blood test for PSA.

Entrust your problems to professionals. We have comfortable conditions for examination and treatment, tactful and delicate specialists, complete anonymity and confidentiality. Convenient location in Kyiv, Pechersk, near the Klovskaya metro station.