When you hear PSA screening, a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen levels to help detect prostate cancer early. Also known as prostate-specific antigen test, it’s one of the most common tools doctors use to check for prostate issues — but it’s not a diagnosis, and it’s not always clear-cut. The test doesn’t tell you if you have cancer. It just tells you if your PSA level is higher than normal — and that’s where things get messy.
PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland. A little bit in your blood is normal. But if levels rise suddenly or stay high, it could mean prostate cancer — or just an enlarged prostate, an infection, even a recent bike ride or ejaculation. That’s why PSA levels, the numerical result from the PSA blood test that helps guide further testing need context. Age matters. Family history matters. Race matters. A PSA of 4.5 might be normal for a 70-year-old but raise red flags for a 50-year-old. And prostate cancer, a common cancer in men that often grows slowly and may not need immediate treatment doesn’t always need to be treated right away. Some men live with it for years without symptoms.
Guidelines changed. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now says men aged 55 to 69 should talk to their doctor about PSA screening — not because it’s a must, but because it’s a choice. For men over 70, screening usually isn’t recommended unless there’s a strong reason. Why? Because false positives lead to unnecessary biopsies, anxiety, and sometimes treatments that cause incontinence or erectile dysfunction. But skipping it entirely could mean missing a fast-growing cancer. That’s why prostate health, the overall condition of the prostate gland, including function, size, and risk of disease isn’t just about one number. It’s about trends over time, symptoms like trouble urinating, and your personal risk.
What you’ll find here aren’t generic PSA guides. These are real stories from men who’ve been through it — the confusion after a high result, the relief of a clean biopsy, the tough call to watch and wait instead of rush into surgery. You’ll see how PSA screening fits with other tests, what doctors actually look for beyond the number, and how to avoid being pushed into decisions you don’t fully understand. This isn’t about fear. It’s about clarity. And if you’re wondering whether PSA screening is right for you, these posts will help you ask the right questions.
PSA screening for prostate cancer saves some lives but causes more harm than good for many men. Shared decision-making ensures you understand the risks and benefits before testing - not just getting a test, but making an informed choice.
View more