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Coming of Age for a PSA Test

Overwhelmingly, physicians agree that a prostate test can be helpful in the detection of prostatitis, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), and/or prostate cancer. In men under age 35, prostatitis is commonly caused by bacterial infection from sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. In men over age 35, prostatitis is often caused by common bacteria such as E. Coli. In these cases, these conditions are simply treated with antibiotics, provided that the condition is detected early enough. This is why a simple PSA blood test may be helpful in the early detection of disease, leading to early treatment and the prevention of future complications. An annual PSA test is recommended for men beginning at age 50, as an early screening tool for prostate cancer or an enlarging prostate (a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH). Those at higher risk for prostate cancer should begin PSA tests earlier, as suggested by their doctor.

Early Detection with PSA Tests

In the United States, prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men, second only to skin cancer. In addition, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Early detection, with the help of a PSA test, is key to detecting and therefore then treating prostate cancer in its earliest stages, before it has a chance to spread to other vital organs.

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