A Look at the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

PSA test, or PSA screening, a technique used to diagnose potential patients with prostate cancer. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Since the protein can be used to detect the disease and is naturally produced in the body, often referred to as a tumor marker or biological marker.

Men tend to have low levels of PSA in the blood. In patients with prostate cancer or for people who have benign prostate conditions, however, are abnormally high PSA. It is becoming more common as men age so that they are usually the ones who pass the PSA test.

While the level of PSA is not really clear determinant of whether a man has cancer or benign prostate conditions only, to help physicians determine whether to carry out further tests or not. If a man is found to have high levels of PSA, it is usually subjected to digital rectal examination or test and DRE DRE.PSA together to help detect prostate cancer, even in people who show no symptoms.

PSA test is usually recommended for men who are 40 years or more. They are the ones who have a high risk of prostate cancer. Some doctors recommend even test annually for men 50 years and older. Although prostate cancer is prevalent in older people, younger people may be recommended to pass the test if you have a history of illness in the family or if you have a very unhealthy diet.

Since the PSA test is still not very convincing in the detection of prostate cancer, it is still the subject of many studies and research. Many doctors and scientists are currently working to improve test accuracy and efficiency.