Community Views: PSA Testing After Treatment

After you are treated for prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend more frequent prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. Regularly measuring PSA levels can be helpful in detecting if cancer has come back (recurrence).^1,2

How often does the community get PSA tests?

To learn more about how often doctors order PSA testing for folks who have had treatment for prostate cancer, particularly surgery, we asked community members how often they have been PSA tested after treatment.

From quarterly to yearly and beyond, we received a wide range of responses. Here are the main takeaways.

Quarterly

Several respondents shared that they have gotten a PSA test every 3 months since their surgery. This helps their doctor monitor their levels. Then, they can change treatments and order tests quickly if anything looks suspicious.

“Pretty well every 3 months for 8 years.”

“4 times a year.”

“Every 3 months since 2016.”

Every six months

Many respondents shared that they are tested twice a year. Tracking PSA levels semiannually can help them identify trends and give them peace of mind.

“Every 6 months. 4 years, 8 months since surgery. All readings 'undetectable.' Continue to be aware it’s not an absolute, but so far, so good.”

“Twice a year for 2 years now.”

“Every 6 months. It’s been 3.5 years, and he said I could go to yearly tests after 3 years, but I wanted to stay at 6-month intervals, so that’s what I’m doing so far. I may stretch it out later, but right now, I feel better this way. I’m undetectable so far.”

Once per year

Some folks have their levels measured once per year. They also monitor their bodies in between tests for cues that something is off.

“Every year since my surgery 7 years ago.”

“Every year since seed implants. 9 years and still getting good results.”

“Every year for 20 years. Now not so often, the last 4 or 5. Just had 1. Still nothing there.”

Progressively increasing time between tests

Another typical response was that testing frequency changed over time. The longer it had been since a person's treatment, the less frequently some tested. When their PSA numbers stay undetectable, they gradually space out testing.

“Every 3 months the first year. Every 4 months this year.”

“Every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months until 10 years are up. After that, it will be down to me if I want to continue. Currently, I’m [at] 7.5 years. Luckily, PSA is undetectable.”

“Every 3 months for about 4 years, and every 6 months after that. Still average every 6 months. It’s been 10 years since surgery.”

“For the first year, every 3 months. After that, every 6 months for the next 2 years. Now once a year. It’s been 10 years.”

“Initially monthly. Now every 6 months.”

What about you?

How often do you get your PSA levels tested? Share in the comments below.