Cancer screening Biomarker
Collection Type: Blood
Related System: Cancer screening
Prostate-Specific Antigen (total PSA) is a protein produced by prostate gland cells and released into the blood. The total PSA test measures the combined amount of bound and free PSA in serum. It is used primarily for prostate cancer screening and for monitoring known prostate disease. Elevated PSA can suggest prostate cancer but also benign prostate enlargement (BPH), prostatitis or recent prostate manipulation. Symptoms that commonly prompt testing include urinary frequency, weak stream, nocturia, blood in urine or ejaculate, pelvic pain, or a family history of prostate cancer. PSA levels normally rise with age and larger prostate volume; the test is relevant to biological males (and people with a prostate), and interpretation is adjusted for age, medications and recent procedures.
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Q: What does it mean if your prostate-specific antigen is high?
A: A high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) means there’s an increased prostate protein level. Causes include benign prostatic enlargement, prostatitis or urinary infection, recent urological procedures or ejaculation, and less commonly prostate cancer. PSA also rises with age. A single high result isn’t diagnostic; clinicians usually repeat the test, perform a physical exam and may use imaging or biopsy to determine the cause and next steps.
Q: What is a normal prostate-specific antigen level?
A: Normal PSA varies by age and lab. Traditionally a total PSA below 4.0 ng/mL is considered normal, but age-specific cutoffs are often used: about <2.5 ng/mL (40–49), <3.5 ng/mL (50–59), <4.5 ng/mL (60–69), and <6.5 ng/mL (70–79). Levels can rise from benign enlargement, infection, recent procedures, or medications; abnormal results require clinician assessment.
Q: What will happen if PSA is high?
A: A high PSA suggests increased prostate activity but is not a definitive cancer diagnosis. Causes include prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, recent ejaculation, urinary retention, or instrumentation. Doctors usually repeat the test, perform a digital rectal exam, check free/total PSA and PSA velocity, and may order imaging or a biopsy if levels remain elevated or clinical suspicion is high.
Q: What is the danger range for PSA?
A: PSA under about 4 ng/mL is generally considered low risk; 4–10 ng/mL is a “gray zone” with moderate cancer risk; values above 10 ng/mL are associated with a substantially higher likelihood of prostate cancer. Age-specific norms and PSA velocity (rapid rise) matter; any persistent elevation or sudden increase should prompt urological assessment and further testing (imaging or biopsy).
Q: How can I reduce my prostate antigen?
A: PSA (prostate-specific antigen) can fall by treating underlying problems and healthy changes. Get evaluated for prostatitis or BPH and follow prescribed treatments (antibiotics, alpha‑blockers or 5‑alpha‑reductase drugs when indicated). Lifestyle: maintain healthy weight, exercise, eat more fruits/vegetables, reduce red meat and saturated fat, limit alcohol and smoking. Avoid recent ejaculation or strenuous cycling before retesting and see your doctor.
Q: What is the normal PSA for a 70 year old man?
A: For a 70‑year‑old man, a commonly accepted upper limit for prostate‑specific antigen (PSA) is about 6.5 ng/mL. PSA levels rise with age, so age‑adjusted cutoffs are used rather than a fixed 4 ng/mL. Individual interpretation depends on symptoms, PSA trend over time, medications, and clinical context; discuss results and next steps with a clinician.