Is a PSA Test Right for Prostate Screening?

Prostate specific antigen, also common as PSA, occurs in your prostate tissue- both malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) tissues. The presence of a small quantity of PSA in your bloodstream is, however, normal. The development of prostate cancer cells causes your PSA levels to rise in your blood stream. That is why a high PSA level indicates your risk of prostate cancer.

In this blog, you will discover the significant role of private PSA test in detecting prostate cancer.

What determines your PSA scores?

Your doctor uses several indicators to evaluate your PSA scores. For example,

• Your age
• Size of your prostate gland
• Consistency or fluctuation in your PSA levels
• Any underlying medication fostering impacts on your PSA levels

You can also examine other forms of your prostate abnormalities with a digital rectal exam (DRE) in combination with your PSA test. 

What are the risks to your prostate cancer?

There are several risk factors triggering your prostate cancer. Doctors consider these aspects while performing a prostate cancer screening test. Among the main risk factors are:

Age

The risks of developing a prostate cancer usually increase with your increasing age. After you cross 50 years, the chances or risks of your prostate cancer rises more steadily.

Race

The racial background of men is also a major determining factor of your PSA scores. For instance, black males are usually more prone to developing a dying prostate cancer.

Medical history of family

Your genetic background is another crucial aspect influencing your PSA scores and likeliness of developing prostate cancer. If any family member of you (male) has past records of diagnosing prostate cancer before 65 years, your risk of developing the disease automatically rises from average to high.

Mutations of inherited genes

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the two major genes undergoing mutations and causing prostate cancer. Although these genes cause breast cancer in women, they also hold the capacity to enhance the risks of other forms of cancer. The doctor will definitely recommend you a genetic testing in case any of your blood relatives has experienced prostate cancer due to genetic mutation before.  

Dietary habits

You may experience risks of prostate cancer on the basis of your dietary choices. For example, a diet rich in animal fats with low fibre content is more likely to drive you to complications in your prostate gland.

Pros and Cons of Prostate Cancer Screening

Major pros of prostate cancer screening including:

• Helps in early detection of prostate cancer.
• Detection of cancers at early stages is more favourable for treating and curing cancer.
• PSA is a simple and straightforward process of blood test that is easily available and accessible.
• In some cases, knowing little can be better than not knowing at all. For instance, screening of prostate cancer can reveal if you are actually prone to the risks of developing a cancer in the prostate. If you find your results positive, you can take necessary tests for preventive care, treatment and medical intervention.
• This test has brought down the rates of prostate cancers to a significant level due to early detection and diagnosis.

On the other hand, prostate cancer screening may also foster some cons or disadvantages like:

• You may encounter a slow growing prostate cancer. In such cases, the cancer does not spread beyond the prostate gland. In such circumstances, the screening seems futile.
• Treatment or diagnosis is not essential for every kind of prostate cancer. In fact, in some cases pr,ostate cancer treatment may produce certain side effects. Some of the notable side effects include erectile dysfunction, bowel dysfunction or urinary incontinence.
• PSA tests do not always offer foolproof solutions. Certain cases of high PSA levels may occur even if you do not have prostate cancer. On the contrary, you may go through prostate cancer but cannot detect it due to lower PSA levels.
• The prostate cancer screening procedure may lead to confusion and anxiety. Detection of cancers immediately destroys the peace of mind. In addition, life-threatening situations may make your health decisions complicated.
• Although PSA testing has reduced the rates of deaths due to prostate cancers, this does not at all justify the associated risks and substantial costs underlying the test.   

Key Advantages of a Private PSA Test

The detection of different types of prostate cancer can actually be quite critical. High levels of PSA indicate the occurrence of prostate cancer in your body. This cancer may spread (metastasise) gradually from your prostate to other parts of the body. PSA tests also reveal your growing cancer that may further lead to other health complications.

Early diagnosis with private PSA test helps in detecting prostate cancers at the initial stages. This improves the prognosis of the disease and helps in taking proactive measures before it turns to be life threatening. In fact, early identification of cancer reduces the severity of your treatment procedures. This eventually cuts down the treatment side effects like erectile incontinence and dysfunction.     

Underlying Risk Factors of a PSA Test

Have you ever wondered that a private PSA test can lead to some negative impacts as well?

Although a PSA test includes a simple test with collecting and examining blood sample, it includes some potential downsides like:

• Prostate infection (prostatitis) or even benign enlargement of prostate (prostatic hyperplasia) may lead to high PSA levels. There are often chances of these false positives.
• You may not get a high PSA even if you are encountering prostate cancer. A false negative result again fails to interpret your risks of cancer.
• Follow-ups after your initial PSA test can be tiring, stressful and cost-effective.
• A minor untreated prostate cancer might produce stress and anxiety.    

Key Takeaways

Most of the doctors recommend male individuals above 50 years to undertake a private PSA test. This is the most effective way to alleviate your risks of prostate cancer through early diagnosis. However, you must also consult the doctor regarding precautions against the side effects of the PSA test.

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