WHEN IS PSA PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING NEEDED?

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, especially men over 50 years old. Prostate cancer screening by measuring the concentration of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) in the blood is an important step in early detection of the disease, thereby increasing the possibility of successful treatment. So when is PSA prostate cancer screening needed? Find out through the article below to protect your health.

1. The importance of PSA prostate cancer screening

Prostate cancer often progresses silently and does not cause obvious symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, new symptoms begin to appear such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination at night, or pain when urinating. However, at this stage, treatment can be more difficult.

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. PSA levels in the blood tend to increase when the prostate is damaged or when a tumor is present. PSA screening helps detect abnormalities in PSA levels, thereby supporting the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

2. When is PSA screening needed?

Prostate cancer screening is not recommended for all men, but is often recommended in the following cases:

2.1. Age 50 and above

PSA screening is often recommended for men aged 50 and older, as this age group is at increased risk of prostate cancer. This is the stage when the prostate gland can begin to grow uncontrollably, increasing the likelihood of developing a malignant tumour.

2.2. Have a family history of prostate cancer

If you have a close relative (father, brother) who has had prostate cancer, your risk is higher. In this case, your doctor may recommend that you start screening at age 40 or earlier, depending on your risk level.

2.3. People with symptoms related to the prostate

Men who experience prostate-related symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination at night, or a feeling that the bladder is not empty after urination should undergo PSA screening. These symptoms can be warning signs of prostate disease, including cancer.

2.4. African American men

Studies show that men of African descent have a higher risk of prostate cancer than other ethnic groups. So if you are in this group, your doctor may recommend that you get a PSA screening earlier, around age 45.

3. Is PSA screening accurate?

Although PSA screening is a common procedure, the results are not always completely accurate. High PSA levels can be caused by other conditions, such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore, if the PSA result is high, your doctor may request additional tests, such as a prostate biopsy or ultrasound, to make an accurate diagnosis.

4. PSA screening frequency

If your PSA screening results are normal, your doctor may recommend repeat testing in 1-2 years, depending on your individual risk factors. However, if your PSA results are elevated or abnormal, you will need to have the test more frequently to monitor changes in your PSA levels.

5. Benefits of early prostate cancer screening

PSA screening can help detect prostate cancer in its early stages, when the tumor is still small and has not spread to other parts of the body. At this point, treatment is simpler and less harmful to health. Some of the main benefits of early screening include:

• Improved treatment success : Early stage prostate cancer is much more likely to be successfully treated than late stage prostate cancer.
• Minimize complications : Early detection helps avoid serious complications caused by metastatic cancer.
• Improve quality of life : Early detection and treatment helps maintain quality of life, reducing the risk of difficulty urinating, nocturia and other unpleasant symptoms.

6. Who should not have PSA screening?

PSA screening is not for everyone. Men over 70 or those with a short life expectancy due to other underlying health conditions may not need PSA screening. This is because prostate cancer grows very slowly, and screening in this case may not provide long-term health benefits.

Conclude

PSA screening is an important step in detecting prostate abnormalities early and preventing the cancer from developing further. If you are at high risk or have prostate-related symptoms, consult your doctor to determine the appropriate time and frequency of screening. Early detection is always the key to improving the chances of successful treatment and protecting your overall health.