What is the PSA test and who might have it done?
It is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in your blood. PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen. PSA is a protein made by the prostate which naturally leaks into the bloodstream. Some men with symptoms of a prostate problem may consider having the test. The symptoms of benign prostate enlargement can be similar to the symptoms of a developing prostate cancer. Some men without any symptoms consider having the test to ‘screen’ for prostate cancer. However, in both of these situations, the decision to have a PSA test is controversial as there are pros and cons. See below. What does the PSA test tell me about my prostate? A raised PSA level can be a sign that you have prostate cancer. The PSA level is often raised well before any symptoms of prostate cancer develop. So the test can help to detect early prostate cancers (which may have a better chance of being successfully treated than more advanced prostate cancers.) As a rule, the higher the PSA level, the more likely that you h
