Dear Nurse Bonnie,

WHAT is a PSA? If I get a high number, does it mean I have prostate cancer?

Mr. G.S.

Dear Mr. G. S.

The PSA (prostate specific antigen) tests levels of a protein in the blood that increases (>4) when the prostate has cancer or other disease. A PSA above 4 can also be age-related, caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (harmless overgrowth of tissue), or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).
PSA testing and a digital rectal exam (DRE) are now considered part of your annual physical and routine preventive health care.

If your PSA is above 4…..you can decide in consultation with your physician when and whether to have further testing ----such as a transrectal ultrasound (bounces soundwaves of the prostate to visualize it on a screen) or a biopsy (taking A TISSUE SAMPLE).

Prostate cancer is second only to lung cancer as a leading cause of cancer deaths amongst men. African-Americans and men with a brother or father who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are at greatest risk. Annual screening (PSA & DRE) and understanding what the results mean for you has become part of responsible self-care. Free PSA’s for men between 50-80 who have not had one in the previous year are available through the Mayor’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign (see front cover).

CHECK YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE on Tuesdays: 9:30-11:30, 2nd floor, Senior Center at the Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard. Stamford, CT