A blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen - a protein the prostate makes, normally at low levels.
A high PSA can signal prostate cancer, but also benign enlargement or prostatitis, so it starts a follow-up conversation rather than delivering a diagnosis. Because screening trades false alarms against early catches, guidelines frame it as a shared decision with your doctor from about age 50, or earlier with family history or African ancestry.
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Common questions
What is a PSA test?
A PSA test is a blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen, a protein the prostate makes - it is normal to have a low level in your blood. It is the main screening tool for prostate cancer, but the crucial thing to understand is what a high number does and does not mean. Per MedlinePlus, elevated PSA can come from prostate cancer, but also from benign prostatic hyperplasia (the ordinary enlargement most older men get) and prostatitis (prostate inflammation). So a high PSA is a reason for follow-up - repeat testing, imaging, sometimes biopsy - not a diagnosis, and plenty of elevated results end in benign explanations. Because screening involves real tradeoffs (false alarms and overdiagnosis against catching aggressive cancers early), major guidelines frame PSA screening as a shared decision between you and your doctor, especially from about age 50, or earlier with family history or African ancestry. Pymander, a free AI doctor available 24/7 by text, can help you prepare that decision conversation.