PSA Test: Detecting Prostate Activity, Not Prostate Cancer

When it comes to what the blood test for prostate-specific antigens (PSAs) can actually do, there seem to be much disagreement. Some people insist that the PSA test is a very important procedure in detecting prostate cancer, especially during the early stages when the chances of a successful treatment or cure are high. Other people strongly disagree with this claim, contending that the test is not reliable and that men should not depend on its supposed function as a cancer indicator. Whose stand is the correct one? To determine who's right, we have to understand what PSAs are and what the test is all about.

PSAs are complex protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland and released into the blood. And how do we interpret a PSA reading? A 0 to 4 reading is deemed normal; over 4 to 10 is median, which means slightly elevated; and over 10 is considerably high. The PSA test can be deceiving to those who are hoping that it can detect prostate cancer in that it merely traces prostate activity. It isn't necessarily an indicator of prostate cancer.

Two conditions that occur more frequently - swelling and inflammation of prostate (prostatitis) and enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) - can yield a high tally. Still, a low or normal count is no guarantee of a robust prostate. In fact, studies show that low readings were recorded in about ten percent of men with prostate cancer.

When and how often should one get tested? The first step is to discuss the matter with your doctor. Normally, a doctor will recommend PSA testing for men aged 50 onwards. However, some doctors believe that taking the test may not be necessary for those who do not at all show any signs of prostate problems, such as difficulty in urinating or traces of blood in the urine. On the other hand, urologists recommend the combination PSA screening and digital rectal exam done annually. The latter test is performed by a doctor using a gloved finger to probe the prostate gland for anything out of the usual or ordinary. The combination test is likewise considered the most ideal procedure for men aged 50 and over.