Articles
Prostate cancer screening: Should you get a PSA test?
Simple test, not-so-simple decision
When elevated PSA isn't cancer
When prostate cancer doesn't increase PSA
Digital rectal examination
Think about your risk factors for prostate cancer
Consider the varying viewpoints: What are the recommendations?
How does it add up?
Content
What is PSA?
What increases the risk of prostate cancer?
What are the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening?
What's the advantage of a PSA test?
What's risky about a PSA test?
What do experts recommend?
When prostate cancer doesn't increase PSA
Some prostate cancers, particularly those that grow quickly, may not produce much PSA. In this case, you might have what's known as a "false-negative" — a test result that incorrectly indicates you don't have prostate cancer when you do.
Because of the complexity of these relating factors, it's important to have a doctor who is experienced in interpreting PSA levels evaluate your situation.