PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PSA

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a key marker that helps to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. However, its use requires an understanding of both the capabilities and limitations of the test. Our expert, Oleg Osipov, a medical oncologist in Oncologic Urologic Department of the N. Lopatkin Scientific Research Institute of Urology and Interventional Radiology (SRIUIR) – the branch of the FSBI “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, explained what PSA is, how the test is performed and why it is only part of the diagnosis.

“Prostate cancer ranks first among men in cancer. Therefore, taking a PSA test for men over 45 once a year is necessary. Early detection of prostate cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment”, says Oleg Vladimirovich.

The PSA test is a simple and quick test, which is performed by taking blood from a vein. However, it does require a little preparation:

• Avoid sexual activity three days before the analysis.
• Exclude any manipulation of the prostate gland.
• Do not take the analysis during periods of exacerbation of inflammatory diseases of the prostate gland and in acute urinary retention.

“The test is also not recommended for patients with a cystostomy, the PSA result in this case may be elevated precisely because of the presence of infection in the bladder, it is necessary to perform a urine culture and treatment,” emphasizes the expert.

The test results are evaluated in nanograms per milliliter. The normal PSA level is up to 4 ng/mL. If the indicator is higher, it may be a signal for further examination.

It is important to remember that PSA is a nonspecific marker, and its increase can be associated not only with cancer, but also with other prostate diseases.

“An elevated PSA level is only the first step. To clarify the diagnosis, the patient should definitely undergo an additional study MRI of the pelvic organs,” adds Oleg Vladimirovich.

Regular screening, especially after 45 years of age, is an important step to a long and healthy life for men. For information about treatment call +7 (495) 150 -11-22 (Patient relations department).