The earlier a cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. Prostate cancer can be detected by a digital rectal examination and by a blood test for the prostate cancer marker: Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). However, it is important to take certain precautions before a PSA test, to obtain the most reliable result possible.
PSA is a prostate-specific antigen used as a marker for prostate cancer. However, its reliability is controversial. This is why there is no systematic screening campaign for prostate cancer. This protein secreted by the prostate is found in sperm and also in the blood. Normally, its level in the blood is low: according to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is less than 4 ng/ml. A high PSA level can therefore be a sign, but not only, of prostate cancer, even before the appearance of symptoms.
A high PSA level may have a cause other than cancer, such as prostatitis, recent ejaculation, a urinary tract infection, heat, cycling, etc. In 70% of cases, a high PSA level would not be a sign of prostate cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. In addition, in 10% of cases of prostate cancer, the PSA level remains low. The PSA test must therefore be interpreted with caution and requires additional tests to confirm the possible diagnosis of prostate cancer.
(…) Click here to see more
