Prostate-Specific Antigen test (PSA)

What is a PSA Test?

The PSA test, or Prostate-Specific Antigen test, is a blood test used primarily to screen for prostate cancer. It measures the amount of PSA in your blood, a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate.

Why is the PSA Test Important?

The PSA test is crucial because it helps detect prostate cancer early, particularly in individuals who show no symptoms. Early detection can lead to better treatment outcomes and improved survival rates.

How Does the PSA Test Work?

During a PSA test, a small blood sample is taken from your arm and sent to a laboratory for analysis. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions like prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.