PSA Screenings for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer screening is as easy as a simple blood test, called a PSA.
Prostate Screenings Mansplained.
Getting a prostate screening isn’t hard. And it’s one of the manliest examples of Man Stuff there is. We know that men seldom need or read directions for things, but we want you to understand the basics when it comes to prostate screening.
What: Prostate Cancer Screenings
How: Simple blood test, called a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test
Who: All men 45+, men with family history as early as 40
Where: Singing River Medical Clinics
Why: 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and early detection increases treatment options and effectiveness
Make the Manly Choice.
When you’re planning out your manly activities, make time for your prostate screening. It is the manly choice and could also save your life. Call 228-809-5000 or the Singing River Medical Clinic of your choice to schedule an appointment with a Primary Care Provider, and get your PSA test checked off your Man Stuff list.
(And ladies, if you’re reading this, go ahead and schedule for him—he’ll thank you later.)
More Man Stuff Stuff
We know you might want some additional information on Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) tests. Prostate cancer screening is a serious subject, so here’s the serious stuff.
What is a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test looking for?
Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by normal, as well as malignant, cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood. For this test, a blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results are usually reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood.
The blood level of PSA is often elevated in men with prostate cancer.
What does it mean if your initial blood PSA level is higher than normal?
It doesn’t always mean that you have prostate cancer. Many men with higher than normal PSA levels do not have cancer. Still, further testing will be needed to help find out what is going on. Your doctor may advise one of these options:
- Waiting a while and having a second PSA test
- Getting another type of test to get a better idea of if you might have cancer (and therefore should get a prostate biopsy)
- Getting a prostate biopsy to find out if you have cancer
When should I start prostate cancer screening?
The newest guidelines for PSA screening recommend all men begin PSA screenings at age 45. However, there are many reasons that you may need to begin as young as 40, including:
- Having at least one first-degree relative (such as your father or brother) who has had prostate cancer
- Having at least two extended family members who have had prostate cancer
- Being of African-American descent, as this is an ethnicity that has a higher risk of developing more aggressive cancers