Tips On…Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced only by the prostate gland. The amount of PSA produced by a man's prostate gland can be helpful in detecting and monitoring prostate cancer.

PSA can be measured with a simple blood test. It is an important breakthrough because prostate cancer is usually silent in early stages. The PSA blood test indicates whether the amount of PSA is within the normal range.

There is some controversy about the value of the PSA blood test and whether it should be done routinely for men over a certain age. However, the American Cancer Society recommends that all men begin having annual prostate cancer screenings at age 50, a rectal exam and a serum PSA level. If you are at increased risk for prostate cancer, discuss when to begin screening with your health care professional.