What Is a PSA Test? Everything Men Should Know
If you’ve heard your doctor mention a PSA test but weren’t sure what it meant, you’re not alone. PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. A simple blood test measures the amount of PSA in your bloodstream.
What Does a High PSA Mean?
A higher-than-normal PSA level does not automatically mean cancer. Elevated PSA levels may also be caused by:
- Benign enlarged prostate
- Infection
- Inflammation
- Recent medical procedures
- Other non-cancerous conditions
If your PSA is elevated, your doctor may recommend repeating the test or ordering additional evaluations before determining next steps.
Should Every Man Get Tested?
Screening is a personal decision. Most doctors recommend discussing PSA screening with a healthcare provider beginning around age 50, or earlier if you have increased risk factors like a family history of prostate cancer.
The most important step is having the conversation.
Knowledge Is Power
A PSA blood test takes only a few minutes, but the information it provides can help you make informed decisions about your health. Early detection remains one of the best tools we have in the fight against prostate cancer.
Sometimes the strongest thing a man can do is roll up his sleeve and get screened.