What should you know about PSA testing?
Prostate cancer can be detected through the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. PSA is a protein made by prostate cells, and the test measures the amount of PSA in the blood.
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Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, but did you know that when it’s detected early, close to 100% of men will survive 5 years or more past their diagnosis?
How can prostate cancer be detected earlier?
Prostate cancer can be detected through the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. PSA is a protein made by prostate cells, and the test measures the amount of PSA in the blood. Small amounts can be found in the blood of healthy men, but a higher amount is a possible indicator of prostate cancer, or another health concern impacting the prostate.
A PSA test can help by:
- Helping find prostate cancer early in men who don’t have any signs or symptoms of the disease
- Confirming a diagnosis when other tests suggest prostate cancer
- Predicting an outcome for prostate cancer
- Planning treatment for prostate cancer
- Monitoring people with prostate cancer who are being treated with active surveillance
- Finding out if cancer treatments are working
Should I get tested to help find prostate cancer early, and when?
- Talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors and make an informed decision about whether the PSA test is right for you.
- If you are at an average risk of developing prostate cancer, consider testing from age 50.
- If you’re at a higher risk, consider testing from age 45. Black men and those with a family history of the disease are considered to be at high risk.
This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, help create a future without prostate cancer and support men living with prostate cancer. Learn more at cancer.ca.