PSA Prostate Cancer

PSA prostate cancer stands for prostate-specific antigen, which is an enzyme in the blood that becomes elevated when a man has prostate cancer. This measurement can save a man's life when it is taken on a yearly basis. Doctors cannot stress enough the importance of annual testing through the digital rectal exam and the PSA measurement. Both tests can reveal cancer long before a man experiences any symptoms.

The PSA test is able to tell if a growth is present; however, a biopsy is needed to determine if the growth is malignant or benign. Thousands of men each year find out that their PSA level is elevated, only to learn that they have benign prostate condition. In many cases, benign prostate conditions require no treatment; however, if symptoms are present (such as difficulty urinating or frequent trips to the bathroom at night to urinate), then treatment may be necessary.

The PSA prostate test is non-invasive and merely requires a man to supply a blood sample. Although getting a stuck with a needle may not be your idea of fun, the tiny pinprick can save your life. When you think of it in those terms, it just makes sense to get tested each year for prostate cancer. Detecting cancer early is the best way to beat cancer and live a long, healthy life.

The Life Saving PSA Prostate Test

When you think about it, the PSA test is a breeze compared to many other forms of testing that detects various cancers. Think about it--a woman has to submit to a Pap test every year to detect cervical cancer, which is certainly much more invasive than a blood test. For colon cancer, both men and women have to submit to a colonoscopy, another highly invasive procedure. So when it comes down to it, the PSA test is a walk in the park.