When Is The Right Time To Get A PSA Test For Prostate Cancer?

Cancer is a curable disease - let’s start from here. While the ‘C’ word is feared by all, it is a battle anyone can win provided you get regular screenings and be aware of your symptoms. When it comes to males, prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. The key therefore is to conduct necessary tests to detect it early and receive treatment on time. Remember, relying solely on symptoms onset is not enough. So what do you need to know about prostate cancer tests like Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test and when should you get it?

Understanding The Dangers Of Advanced Prostate Cancer 

Globally, prostate cancer amounted to more than 14 lakh newly diagnosed cases and 3.75 lakh deaths yearly in 2020. 

In India, prostate cancer cases for the periods 2010, 2015, and 2020 were said to be 26,120, 28,079, and 30,185, respectively, as per data published in the Indian Journal of Urology (IJU).

Also Read: The Most Common Symptom Of Testicular Cancer Is Painless: What Men Need To Know

The disease occurs when cells in the prostate gland start to grow abnormally, leading to the formation of a tumour. If not nipped in the bud, it can spread or metastasize to nearby tissues, adding to the disease burden. 

According to MedicineNet, the life expectancy for almost 100% of men who have an early-stage prostate cancer is more than 5 years after diagnosis, whereas, men with advanced prostate cancer or whose cancer has spread to other regions have lesser survival rates.

Therefore, the earlier the cancer is detected, the better the survival rates. 

Early Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Some of the common symptoms of prostate cancer include: 

• Difficulty in urination or frequent urination
• Weak urine flow
• Feeling that the bladder is not empty
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss
• Swelling in the legs or feet

What Is A PSA Test?

"PSA test is a preliminary screening test for patients suspected with prostate cancer," explains Dr Gowshikk Rajkumar, Consultant Oncologist, Apollo Clinic, adding, that the level of prostate specific antigen indicates whether the patient will require additional testing to confirm the diagnosis or if they can be only monitored serially."

According to Dr Kunjan Lila, HOD Surgical Pathology, Metropolis Healthcare, PSA is a protein found exclusively in prostatic tissue and is mostly elevated in different prostatic pathologies including carcinoma.

In cases with PSA at 4ng/ml, it needs to be followed up with digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasonography, and tissue diagnosis to conclude, she says.

Also Read: The Vitamin That Can Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer: How To Get Optimum Levels

When Is The Right Time To Get A PSA Test?

Regardless of whether you experience prostate cancer symptoms or not, Dr Lila recommends starting screening by PSA at age 55, earlier in case of a positive family history. 

“If it (prostate cancer) is detected early, when it is still confined to the prostate gland, it has a better chance of successful treatment. Hence, screening by PSA is recommended for early detection,” she explains. 

What Are the Other Common Risk Factors

In addition to increase in age, other risk factors include race (prevalent in black men), family history of prostate or breast cancer (BRCA1/BRCA2 related), and obesity. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, a diet high in animal fats and low in vegetables may also increase the likelihood of prostate cancer. 

Therefore, if you want to reduce your risk, choose a low-fat diet that includes more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy.