PSA TEST

What is it?

HOW IS PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING DONE?

Prostate cancer screening involves two tests:

• A physical test called a digital rectal exam (DRE)
• A blood test that measures prostate specific antigen (PSA).

Digital rectal examination -
The DRE is a simple test that the doctor performs in the office. He or she inserts a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any growths or lumps on the bottom and side of the prostate. However, because doctors are unable to reach all areas of the prostate, some tumors can go undetected using this screening method alone. There also are certain types of cancers that are impossible to detect by touch no matter where they are located on the prostate. On the other hand, DRE is able to detect some cancers that are missed by other screening tests such as the PSA.

Prostate specific antigen -
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate. The serum PSA test measures the amount of PSA in a sample of blood. An elevated PSA (greater than 4.0 ng/mL in most laboratories) often indicates a problem, but does not necessarily mean there is a malignancy. There are many benign conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), that can cause an elevated PSA. Other benign causes include prostate infection (prostatitis) and trauma. The latter may be caused by vigorous bicycle riding or sexual activity; thus, the PSA should not be measured for 48 hours after either of these activities.

Why is it done?
Generally speaking, the higher the PSA the greater the chance that a malignancy is present. However, in some studies, up to 40 percent of men with prostate cancer have a normal PSA (false-negative test), while up to 25 percent of men with abnormal values may not have prostate cancer (false-positive test).

When is it done?

Screening should begin at the age of 50 in men who decide to undergo screening, although men who have other risk factors for prostate cancer (such as African-Americans and men with two or more first-degree relatives with prostate cancer) may want to begin screening at the age of 45. Screening should probably continue yearly once it is started. There is no consensus regarding when screening should stop.

The best way for you to decide if prostate cancer screening is right for you is to:

• Consider your risk factors
• Know the potential benefits and harms of screening, diagnosis, and treatment
• Talk to your doctor about your concerns and questions.

Remember, there is no one right answer for everyone. Only you can decide what is best for you.

How to avail it?
One has to dial 6825000, 6825004, and 6825005 and take an appointment for a suitable date for check-up. One may also fix up the appointment through the internet (ehirc.com).