The PSA test is a blood test that measures a substance produced by the prostate, called prostate specific antigen (PSA). There are 3 potential uses for PSA:
1. PSA may be used for monitoring of established prostate cancer and metastatic disease (spread of prostate cancer) or detection of early recurrence of prostate cancer, where prostate cancer is already known.
2. PSA may be used as a diagnostic adjunct in combination with other tests for early detection of prostate cancer in symptomatic men with:
* Urinary symptoms
* Suspicious digital rectal examination findings
The standard method of early detection for prostate cancer is the digital rectal examination (DRE) which should be done annually in fit men 50-70 years or if obstructive or other urinary tract symptoms are present.
3. Screening tool for all men
* PSA testing is of unknown value as a population screening test. Although there is good evidence that it increases the detection rate of early stage, clinically significant prostate cancers, there is little evidence to date that such early detection leads to reduced mortality; the "gold standard" for evaluating screening tests.
Fit men, age 50-70 (men with at least 10 years life expectancy) should be made aware of the potential benefits and risks of early detection so that they can make an informed decision as to whether to have the test performed.
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