Let's check the health of your prostate gland. Everything about the PSA test!

Have you ever heard of this PSA test? Maybe your doctor has told you about it, or maybe you have heard from a friend. This is actually a very important test for us men. Many people don't know much about it. So, let's talk about it today in a simple way that you can understand? There is nothing to be afraid of, the most important thing is to be aware.

What is a PSA test?

Simply put, PSA is an abbreviation for Prostate-Specific Antigen. It's a special protein in your body. But it's not everywhere. It's made by your prostate gland. This gland is only found in men, and it's located just below the bladder.

This protein called PSA is produced by healthy prostate tissue, as well as by prostate cancer cells. However, the most important thing is that if there is prostate cancer, this PSA level can often be produced in higher amounts than normal.

So, the PSA test is a simple blood test that measures how much of this PSA protein is in your blood. This can help you see if your PSA level is elevated. Doctors do this test to help detect prostate cancer early. Because if cancer is detected early, it is much more likely to be treated and cured.

The doctor will usually perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) along with the PSA test. This is when the doctor examines the prostate gland with a gloved finger through the anus. This can also detect any lumps or changes in the prostate gland.

What is the appropriate PSA level for your age?

Actually, not everyone's PSA level is the same. It changes as you age. As you get older, it's normal for your PSA level to rise gradually, even if you don't have prostate cancer or any other problems. However, if your PSA level is much higher than expected, it could be a small hint that you may have prostate cancer. But it doesn't necessarily mean it's cancer, right?

Doctors measure PSA levels in units called nanograms per milliliter of blood (ng/ml).

When is a PSA test done?

This PSA test is actually a very common test. If you have a prostate, most doctors recommend that you get this test at least every two to three years, starting at age 50.

Imagine that your PSA test results are a little abnormal. So the doctor says, "Let's take a closer look at this." Then he tells you to do the PSA test and other tests every 6 months, or once a year.

However, if you are at high risk of developing prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend regular PSA testing starting around the age of 40-45. You may be at increased risk for the following reasons:

• If someone in your family, that is, your father, a brother, or at least two first-degree relatives, has had prostate cancer.
• If you are black. (Some studies have shown this, but it is not common for everyone, it is best to seek medical advice.)

Also, if you already have prostate cancer, doctors use the PSA test to see how well your treatment is working and to check if the cancer has come back.

Things you need to know before a PSA test

Before having a PSA test, you should definitely tell your doctor these things:

• If you are taking medication for a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), for example, Finasteride (Proscar®) or Dutasteride (Avodart®)
• If you are taking medication like `(Finasteride (Propecia®))` for hair loss.
• If you have had surgery for BPH, for example, a Transurethral Resection (TUR).
• If you have recently had a prostate biopsy, that is, within the last 6 weeks.
• If you have recently used a urinary catheter or undergone any other procedure that affects your urinary system.
• If you have a medical condition that affects your liver, such as cirrhosis of the liver, cystic fibrosis, or hepatitis C.
• If you currently have a urinary tract infection (UTI), or have had one within the last three months.

These medications and procedures can affect your PSA levels, making it difficult for your doctor to accurately measure your PSA level.

Therefore, your doctor will give you some instructions a few days before the test to help you get the most accurate result possible. These instructions may include:

• Avoid any sexual activity for 48 hours before your PSA test. This includes masturbation. Ejaculation can temporarily increase your PSA levels.
• Avoid exercising for 48 hours before a PSA test. Vigorous exercise, especially cycling, can temporarily increase your PSA levels.

What happens when a PSA test is done?

It's very simple. The PSA test is just like a regular blood test. Here's what a healthcare provider does:

• Usually, a vein is selected on your arm and the skin in that area is cleaned with an antiseptic.
• Then, using a thin needle, a small amount of blood is taken from the vein.
• Finally, that blood sample is sent to the lab for analysis.

How long does the PSA test take?

The blood draw only takes a few minutes. After that, the medical staff may ask you to rest for a few more minutes before you get up and leave.

What happens after the test?

After the needle is removed, a clean piece of cotton or gauze is placed over the area to help stop the bleeding. A small bandage is then applied.

• You should keep that bandage on for a few hours, and don't let it get wet.
• Drink plenty of water after donating blood.
• Also, avoid exercising for a few hours after your blood test, as exercising after donating blood increases the risk of the following:
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding
• Bruises

Are there any risks to the PSA test?

There are some minor risks or complications associated with the PSA test. Check out:

• In addition to prostate cancer, other conditions can cause elevated PSA levels. For example, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). This can sometimes cause unnecessary anxiety and the need for additional tests.
• Some types of prostate cancer do not cause PSA levels to rise. This means that even if your PSA test shows that your levels are normal, you could still have cancer (although this is very unlikely).
• You may feel nauseous, dizzy, or tired during or after the blood draw.
• There may be some pain or bruising at the site of the needle for a few days.

What are the results you get? And what do they mean?

As we've discussed before, PSA levels vary depending on your age. If your PSA level is higher than expected for your age group, it doesn't necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. However, it may indicate a slightly increased risk. If so, your doctor may recommend a few more tests. These may include:

• Imaging tests: An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or a Transrectal Ultrasound can take detailed pictures of your prostate. If any suspicious areas are found, your doctor may order a biopsy.
• Prostate Biopsy: This is when your doctor takes a small sample of tissue from your prostate and tests it for cancer cells. This is the only way to know for sure if you have prostate cancer and determine its stage.

How long does it take to get the results of the PSA test?

You should usually get your PSA test results within a week . Your doctor may call you and ask you to make an appointment to discuss the results.

What PSA level indicates cancer?

An elevated PSA level does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. There is no specific PSA level that can tell you whether you have cancer or not. The only way to know for sure if you have prostate cancer is to have a prostate biopsy.

But, there is this:

• If your PSA level is between 4 and 10 (ng/ml) , you have a greater than 25% chance of developing prostate cancer.
• If your PSA level is above 10 (ng/ml) , you have a more than 50% chance of developing prostate cancer.

If your PSA level is in these ranges, it is very important to talk to your doctor about a prostate biopsy.

When to see a doctor

Talk to a doctor about a PSA test if you have any of these conditions:

• If you have a prostate and are 50 years of age or older (some recommendations say after 45).
• If you are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. (Your risk may be higher if someone in your family has had prostate cancer, or if you are black. Talk to your doctor about this.)
• If you have symptoms of prostate cancer.

What PSA level should you pay attention to?

Generally, a PSA level above 10 ng/ml indicates a high risk of prostate cancer. However, even at lower levels, your doctor may recommend further testing based on other factors.

What are the symptoms of stage 1 prostate cancer?

Most of the time, prostate cancer doesn't show any symptoms in its early stages. That's why tests like the PSA test are so important.

Warning signs of prostate cancer

As prostate cancer progresses, you may experience symptoms like these:

• Urinary changes: This may include urinary incontinence, weak urine stream, pain or burning when urinating (dysuria), and the need to urinate frequently (especially at night).
• Pain in the lower abdomen, hips, or chest: This may mean that prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
• Blood in the urine or semen: Prostate cancer can affect parts of the urinary and reproductive systems, which can cause blood in the urine (hematuria) or blood in the semen (hematospermia).
• Bone pain: When cancer has spread (advanced prostate cancer), it can spread to the bones and cause pain.
• Unexplained weight loss: Weight loss without any effort can be a symptom of cancer.
• Erectile dysfunction and pain during ejaculation (Dysorgasmia or Orgasmalgia): Prostate cancer can make it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual intercourse. It can also cause pain during ejaculation.

How can I lower my PSA level quickly?

There is no surefire way to lower your PSA levels. However, some research suggests that making certain changes to your lifestyle and diet may help lower your PSA levels. Here are some tips:

• Eat more foods rich in lycopene: Lycopene is a chemical that gives some fruits and vegetables their pink or red color. It is thought to have anti-cancer properties. Tomatoes (especially cooked tomatoes), watermelon, apricots, red grapefruit, and pink guava are rich in lycopene.
• Consider a plant-based diet: A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and legumes can boost your immunity and prevent the growth of cancer cells.
• Take Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones, and it also strengthens the immune system. Your body makes vitamin D when you are exposed to sunlight in the morning. Foods like oily fish, fortified milk, plant-based milk, orange juice, cereal, and oatmeal contain vitamin D. Your doctor may also recommend that you take vitamin D supplements.
• Increase physical activity: Moderate to vigorous exercise can help lower your PSA levels. This includes daily walking, jogging, weight lifting, and recreational sports.

None of these are 100% guaranteed to lower PSA levels, but they are beneficial for overall health. It is wise to seek medical advice before making any dietary changes or starting any exercise regimen.

The most important things you need to remember (Take-Home Message)

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a valuable tool for assessing the health of your prostate. It's a good idea to get a regular PSA test once you're 50 (or 40-45 if you have risk factors). However, if you have a high-risk condition, talk to your doctor about getting a PSA test earlier. To get the most accurate results possible, follow your doctor's instructions carefully before the test. If you have any questions about this, your doctor is there to answer them.

Don't be afraid, the most important thing is to be aware. Early detection can make a big difference!

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