When was the last time you had your PSA tested? I ask this question to every man I am connected with and every woman who knows or loves a man.
I recently asked that question to a group of men I had the privilege of addressing on Men’s Health.
Twenty per cent of the men in that room had a PSA test, and half of that 20 per cent had had a PSA test before.
While participating in a Zoom walk recently, one man told a story about his PSA being 6.1 and commented that his Doctor said it was in range for his age, and all was good.
So, what exactly is PSA?
PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced by normal and malignant prostate gland cells. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. A blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis for this test.
Age Range Baseline Age-Adjusted PSA Levels ng/mL
The gentleman on Zoom was over 70, and his test result was 6.1, which is within the range for his age.
I suggest that this gentleman find a different doctor because the one treating you is an idiot.
My PSA was 0.8 in 2000, 2.6 in 2021, and 4.4 three months ago, and all of these test results were within the range for my age.
So, what is so outstanding about these results?
My Doctor is outstanding because she added a PSA test to all of the blood tests I have had under her care. She saw an abnormal increase in my PSA level for the 12 months between testing and sent me to a Urologist.
“A PSA score may also be considered abnormal if it rises a certain amount in a year. For example, your doctor may recommend further testing if your score rises more than 0.35 ng/ml in a year.”
I have stage 4 Prostate Cancer rated as a Gleason 8, and it has grown from nothing 12 months ago to the point where it is already in the fatty tissue around my prostate.
July 12, my prostate cancer will be removed, and I wanted you and anyone you share this message with to know and understand that having your PSA tested annually costs nothing.
I want to leave you with this final thought!
Find another doctor if you are over 40 and your Doctor has never tested your PSA.
If your only test is in range and you think you are OK, you may not be because, at the age of 74, my PSA would be in range. If the results are between 0 and 6.5, my PSA is 4.4, and I have advanced and aggressive Prostate Cancer.
GET TESTED