Screen for prostate cancer with Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test which measures a protein produced by the cells of the prostate.
Discuss with your primary care provider if a digital rectal exam would be beneficial. This test helps identify if there are changes in the size or texture of your prostate.
The PSA test tells your health care provider if the prostate is releasing higher than usual amounts of PSA into your bloodstream. PSA is a protein that is naturally produced by the prostate gland. As the prostate enlarges, additional PSA is produced and seeps into the blood stream, making it a useful marker for prostate cancer. While a high PSA doesn’t necessarily mean cancer is present, and a low PSA doesn’t necessarily mean there is no cancer, it is an important tool for physicians. Only a biopsy can confirm or deny the presence of prostate cancer.
By having annual physicals where your PSA level is drawn allows your health care provider to see changes in your PSA that may indicate further evaluation is needed.