Level of PSA level and screening for prostate cancer

Level of PSA and digital rectal examination in all men aged 50 and under 75 years

Doctors urologists recommend a blood test to measure the level of PSA, prostatic specific antigen and digital rectal examination in all men aged over 50 years and under 75 years.

• The level of PSA, prostatic specific antigen, prostate-only protein, can suggest the diagnosis and monitor the development of prostate cancer.
• An elevated PSA directs to a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
• A normal level does not exclude the presence of a tumor of the prostate: A digital rectal exam to check to verify the completeness of the prostate.
• The PSA test does not provide a 100% reliability: A prostate biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Standards of PSA

The accepted average PSA level, depending on the technique used, is about 4 ng/ml.

• The PSA varies with age of patient:
  • 2.5 ng/ml for men under 50 years
  • 3.5 ng/ml for men aged 50 to 60 years
  • 4.5 ng/ml for men aged 60 to 70 years

A high rate does not automatically mean the presence of prostate cancer

In the same way some prostate cancers are accompanied by a normal PSA level

Original FAQ by p.horde

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