PSA

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is often mentioned in connection to prostate cancer or as part of prostate “screening” but why…

PSA is a marker for prostate disease. 

Is a PSA always a good test to do for prostate cancer screening?

The short answer is no.

Multiple conditions, external factors and some medication can falsely lower or even increase your PSA

Should my Doctor do a rectal examination?

If you have any LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) – then Yes

But as part of screening the answer these days is likely no.

A 2018 study showed that +-50% of malignancies will be missed with a rectal examination.

Should I have a PSA done?

In SA we start screening from the age of 50, except if you have individual risk factors. Then we might start screening at age 40

If you are very low risk; ask your doctor if you should be doing PSA testing every year.

What can I do to decrease my risk for prostate Cancer?

Not much really. Here your age, ethnicity and genes play a big role. There has been some suggestions that Obesity increases your risk but it has not yet been proven

If you have a raised PSA or your PSA is increasing too much every year your doctor will likely refer you to a Urologist