PSA

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Blood test

Prostate-specific antigen; Prostate cancer screening test 

• Fainting or feeling light-headed
• Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
• Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
• Multiple punctures to locate veins

The American Urologic Association, the American Cancer Society, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggest that all men have annual PSA tests beginning at age 50. If you are African-American, or you have a father or brother who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is suggested that you begin testing at age 40 or 45. These guidelines are not universal, however. Many health organizations do not recommend routine PSA testing.

You should discuss the benefits and risks of testing with your doctor. Potential benefits include early diagnosis of cancer with better chance of cure. Potential risks include increased health care costs, unnecessary invasive testing (biopsy), and unnecessary treatment. Each patient must weigh these factors to determine if routine screening is right for them.

Review Date: 11/23/2005
Reviewed By: David R. Knowles, M.D., Advanced Urologic Surgeons, Mt. Vernon, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.