Should I get tested for prostate cancer?
The PSA test is a key step in detecting prostate cancer early. It’s a blood test that measures PSA, a protein made by prostate cells. The test can determine if PSA levels are higher than they should be – this can indicate that something might be wrong before symptoms are noticed. Other tests, like biopsies, can then be used to detect the cancer and determine how serious it is.
Our recommendation
Talk to your healthcare provider about the PSA test.
Make an informed decision about whether the PSA test is right for you by talking with your healthcare provider and considering your personal risk factors.
- If you are at average risk of developing prostate cancer, consider testing from age 50.
- If you are at high risk of developing prostate cancer, consider testing from age 45. Black men (including men of African or Caribbean ancestry) and those with a family history of prostate cancer are considered to be at high risk.
Your PSA levels will determine how often you get tested. The decision to stop testing is based on your PSA levels, age and general health.