Has your PSA level also increased? (Elevated PSA Level) Let's find out exactly what this is!

It's normal to feel a little scared and worried when your doctor tells you that your PSA level is a little high in a recent blood test. Many people think that an elevated PSA level is a sign of prostate cancer. So it's not unusual to be alarmed when you see a report like this. But is that really the case? Is it always cancer that causes an elevated PSA? Let's talk about this clearly, simply, and in a way that you can understand.

First, let's see what this PSA is.

Simply put, PSA is short for Prostate-Specific Antigen . This is a protein produced by a man's prostate gland, a small gland located below the bladder.

Normally, a certain amount of this PSA protein accumulates in the blood. But if the prostate gland is affected by a disease, infection, or cancer, the gland begins to release more PSA than normal into the blood. Doctors do a PSA blood test to measure the level of PSA in your blood.

At what level is a PSA value considered 'high'?

Here's something important to understand. There is no single 'normal' PSA value that fits everyone. In the past, PSA values ​​above 4.0 ng/ml (nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood) were considered a trigger for further testing.

But now doctors don't just look at the PSA level. Instead, they also consider factors like your age, overall health, and family medical history . For example, there may be a difference between the normal PSA level of a 45-year-old man and the normal level of a 70-year-old man. As you age, the prostate naturally gets a little bigger, so it's normal for the PSA level to rise slightly.

Does an elevated PSA mean cancer?

This is the question that scares many people. The short answer is, no! An elevated PSA level alone does not 100% guarantee that you have cancer. An elevated PSA level is only an indication that there is a risk of some problem with the prostate gland.

When a doctor assesses your cancer risk, they focus on two main things:

1. PSA level: The higher the value, the higher the risk of cancer may be.

2. Continuously rising values: If the values ​​continue to rise over several months of testing, it raises a higher suspicion of cancer, rather than a one-time increase in values.

Let's think about the risk. This is just a probability.

As you can see from this table, even if the PSA value is above 10, there is still about a 50% chance that the cancer will be gone. Therefore, it is important not to panic and take the next steps as the doctor says.

So what other reasons can cause PSA to rise without cancer?

Yes, there are a number of other non-cancerous causes of elevated PSA levels. Some of these are very common.

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is not cancer. As men age, their prostate naturally enlarges. This is a very common condition. As the gland enlarges, the amount of PSA it produces also increases.
• Prostatitis: A sudden increase in PSA levels can also be caused by a bacterial infection or other swelling or inflammation of the prostate gland.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): PSA levels can temporarily increase even if there is a urinary tract infection.
• Having a urinary catheter: If you have a urinary catheter in place for any reason, it can irritate the prostate gland and cause PSA levels to increase.
• Certain medical tests or procedures: PSA levels may also temporarily increase after some prostate-related tests.
• Certain medications: Certain medications, such as hormone therapy such as testosterone, can also cause changes in PSA levels.

What does the doctor do next when the PSA is elevated?

If your PSA level is high, your doctor won't panic and make any big decisions right away. The first thing to do is try to find the cause. You can follow these steps to do so.

1. Repeat PSA test: Sometimes the PSA test is repeated in a few weeks or months to see if the value has decreased, stayed the same, or increased further.

2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and palpates the prostate gland. This test can give a rough idea of ​​whether there are any abnormal lumps, enlargements, or other changes in the gland.

3. Other tests: If necessary, imaging tests such as an MRI scan or a Transrectal Ultrasound scan may be ordered.

4. Prostate Biopsy: This test is only performed if there is a strong suspicion of cancer after the above tests. Here, a few very small pieces of tissue are taken from the prostate and examined under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells. This is the only way to be 100% sure whether or not there is cancer.

What to do if cancer is confirmed?

Even if you are diagnosed with cancer, don't panic. Most prostate cancers grow very slowly. Sometimes, no treatment is needed, just active surveillance. If treatment is needed, there are various options, such as surgery (`Prostatectomy`), radiation therapy (`Radiation Therapy`), and hormone therapy. Your doctor will discuss with you the best treatment for you.

Are there things we can do to control PSA levels?

Some studies have shown that making certain lifestyle and dietary changes can help control PSA levels to some extent. However, these are not a substitute for medical treatment, but only adjuncts.

• Foods rich in lycopene: Red/pink fruits like tomatoes, watermelon, and guava are rich in this nutrient. These are believed to help control the growth of cancer cells.
• A diet rich in vegetables and fruits: Prioritizing plant-based foods improves the body's immunity.
• Exercise: Engaging in exercise such as walking and weight lifting can help reduce PSA levels.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D strengthens the immune system. It can be obtained through exposure to sunlight, foods such as milk and orange juice, and, if necessary, through supplements on medical advice.

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