Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is crucial for screening and monitoring prostate health, particularly for detecting prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and elevated levels can indicate prostate abnormalities, including cancer, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate gland). PSA testing involves a blood test to measure PSA levels. While elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, they can also result from non-cancerous conditions. Factors such as age, ethnicity, and prostate size can affect PSA levels, necessitating careful interpretation by healthcare providers. Regular PSA screening is recommended for men over 50, or earlier for those at higher risk (e.g., family history of prostate cancer). It helps detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective. More information is available from Prostate Cancer UK, the NHS and Cancer Research UK.
