What is a PSA test used for?
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test primarily used to screen for prostate cancer—the second most common cancer among men. It measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in a man’s bloodstream. While PSA levels can rise for a number of reasons, elevated levels can be an early indicator of prostate cancer.
Key Uses of the PSA Test
1. Prostate Cancer Screening
PSA testing is most often used as an early screening tool to detect prostate cancer before symptoms appear. In some cases, early detection through PSA screening may reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer, especially in men with higher risk factors such as a family history of the disease or African ancestry.
2. Monitoring After Prostate Cancer Treatment
For men who have undergone treatment for prostate cancer—such as surgery, hormone therapy, or radiation—PSA levels are routinely monitored:
To detect cancer recurrence
To track whether treatment is working
To assess the rate of cancer growth or regression
Is PSA Testing Right for Everyone?
The use of PSA testing as a routine screening tool remains controversial. Here’s why:
Not all elevated PSA levels indicate cancer: Conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis(inflammation of the prostate) can also raise PSA levels.
Overdiagnosis is common: PSA testing may detect slow-growing cancers that would never cause symptoms or reduce life expectancy. This can lead to unnecessary biopsies, treatments, and anxiety.
Many prostate cancers are non-life-threatening: In older men especially, prostate cancers often grow so slowly that they never spread or cause harm. These cancers would likely go unnoticed without PSA screening.
What Should You Do?
If you’re considering a PSA test, it's important to talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and drawbacks based on:
Your age
Your personal and family medical history
Your risk factors
Your goals for health monitoring
Bottom Line
The PSA test is a valuable tool for early detection and monitoring of prostate cancer, but it is not without limitations. Understanding when and why to use the test—and having an informed discussion with a healthcare provider—can help ensure that PSA screening is aligned with your individual needs and long-term health goals.
Bastion Health offers expert prostate screenings and virtual urology consults—making it easier to stay on top of your PSA levels and long-term health, all covered through your employer.
