PSA test
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a protein, found in the blood, which is produced exclusively by the prostate, but not exclusively by prostate cancer. An elevated concentration of PSA can be related to the presence of prostate cancer, but may also point toward other benign conditions of the prostate, such as enlargement (BPH) or infection/inflammation.
Summary of the most important reasons for and against early detection
Arguments for testing
- If the result of the PSA test is favourable this will calm down my worries;
- The PSA test can help to find prostate cancer at an early stage and before it leads to complaints;
- If as a result of a positive PSA test I undergo successful treatment I may have a better chance of cure and may live longer;
- If the treatment is successful in an early stage, I may be spared the late symptoms of prostate cancer such as metastases.
Arguments against
- If my PSA value is elevated and further study does not show prostate cancer I will have undergone medical testing for nothing and this will have caused unnecessary anxiety;
- The PSA test can miss prostate cancer. After a normal result I may feel relieved for no good reason or may still remain worried;
- An elevated PSA test may detect a slow growing tumour which would otherwise never have given me any trouble;
- I may be confronted with the possible complications of the treatment of prostate cancer.
