How Is PSA Used to Monitor Prostate Cancer?

Regular PSA screening can play a lifesaving role in detecting, at an early stage, a slow-growing cancer that could lead to serious outcomes later on.

In some cases, PSA can also rise in conditions unrelated to cancer, for example inflammatory diseases of the prostate or age-related benign prostatic enlargement.

In addition, PSA can be used in patients already diagnosed with prostate cancer to monitor how the disease progresses. We also use PSA testing in patients who have had surgery or radiotherapy for prostate cancer to assess whether the cancer has recurred.

Which PSA result is significant and abnormal?

• In general, PSA results above 4 ng/mL are considered abnormal. However, normal values can also vary depending on age and medical condition. It is recommended that you discuss this with your doctor.

What is PSA?

Normally, all prostate cells produce PSA, a protein that helps sperm reach the egg more easily. Both cancer cells and normal

prostate cells secrete PSA, but because cancer cells are more permeable, a larger amount of PSA enters the bloodstream.

What is done for high PSA?

First of all, it should be noted that your doctor will decide which tests are needed for a high PSA and will inform you about them. Today, the generally accepted approach is to use MRI to evaluate areas of the prostate that may look suspicious for cancer. However, depending on the patient's clinical condition, some centers prefer a biopsy first, followed by regular, scheduled PSA and MRI follow-up. If anything suspicious is seen, the biopsy may be repeated.

Individualized, risk-based PSA follow-up gives the most accurate results when evaluating PSA.

When evaluating for prostate cancer, neither the PSA test nor a prostate examination is sufficient on its own. What really matters is the prostate biopsy your doctor may recommend after these tests.

Are there medical reasons that can make PSA lower than normal?

Are there medical reasons that can make PSA lower than normal?

Yes, there are. These include certain medications used to treat benign prostatic enlargement, certain chemotherapy drugs, and obesity.

What does free PSA mean?

There are two forms of PSA: it can circulate freely in the blood or bound to proteins. A low free PSA, especially when total PSA is high, raises suspicion of prostate cancer.

Can prostate cancer be detected through regular check-ups and health screenings?

Yes. As with many types of cancer, regular check-ups and PSA assessments are very important for prostate cancer. The aim is to catch prostate cancer at an early stage. Regular check-ups are especially protective for smokers and for people with a family history of cancer. At the İzmir Can Hastanesi Check-Up Center, 'Personalized Check-Up' programs are prepared by evaluating individual risk factors, genetic factors and family risks in detail. All risk factors are assessed thoroughly.

For prostate cancer, after a detailed consultation with a physician at the İzmir Can Hastanesi Check-Up Clinic, a team that includes a urology specialist performs blood tests and prostate imaging. With today's advanced biochemical tests and digital imaging, combined with a detailed physician evaluation, it is possible to catch prostate cancer at an early stage.

What factors increase the risk of prostate cancer?

Advanced age: The risk of prostate cancer increases, especially after the age of 50

Inherited DNA changes

Race

Family history: Having a brother, parent or other close family member with prostate cancer increases the risk.

What are the advantages of prostate cancer screening?

• Prostate cancer can be detected at an early stage with regular check-ups.
• Regular screening may reduce the risk of death from prostate cancer.
• A check-up also gives insight into other medical conditions, diseases or risks in your body, and potential risks can be eliminated with appropriate precautions.

PSA testing alone is not enough to investigate and evaluate prostate cancer. In particular, conditions such as benign prostatic enlargement and prostatitis can cause PSA to rise. It should also be noted that regular check-ups are very important in the diagnosis and evaluation of prostate cancer and all other cancers.