What does an elevated Prostate Specific Antigen level mean? What is Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)? PSA is a protein that is produced mainly by the prostate organ in males. Together with a physical examination of the prostate, it is used to look for and assess the risk of prostate cancer. Generally, the higher the PSA level, the greater the risk of prostate cancer. However, other conditions can cause a high PSA level as well. For patients already diagnosed with prostate cancer, the PSA level aids in monitoring one’s disease progression as well as the treatment response.
Who Needs to Test for PSA? The decision for PSA testing is made jointly with your doctor: • Early screening can start at 40 years of age for those with cancer gene mutations (e.g. BRCA 1 /2) or a significant family history of prostate cancer • If you are 50-69 years old, individualised informed decision-making regarding prostate cancer screening should be discussed • Testing after 75 years of age should only be done in selected healthy men to detect the small numbers of potentially aggressive cancers Do note that it is not recommended to be tested during a regular health screening, especially if you have no risk factors or symptoms suggestive of prostate cancer.