Join the Conversation: 3 Forums on PSA Testing

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The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of prostate antigen in a person's blood. When a man's PSA level is higher than usual, it could be – though is not always – indicative of prostate cancer.^1,2

The value of PSA testing has been debated. Some in the medical community argue it can lead to overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. Others say the blood test is a critical tool in the early detection of prostate cancer (while the PSA test alone cannot diagnose prostate cancer, the results can push doctors to recommend further testing, such as a biopsy).

Below is a compilation of some interesting conversations that have taken place on PSA testing on ProstateCancer.net. Take a look around to see what others shared, and join the conversation.

PSA testing forums

When to start getting PSA tests

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When to stop getting PSA tests

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How do you feel about the PSA test?

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Gogs Moderator & Contributor
Without the PSA test, I wouldn't have know my PSA was rising. I had no symptoms even though cancer was already in the final stage before spreading. Had I waited for symptoms, my diagnosis would have been terminal. I don't understand why the value of PSA is debated. To me, it's more important to monitor changes. Therefore, one reading is not enough. And I don't understand over-diagnosis. As I understand it, not all cancer needs treatment. In my humble opinion, I'd rather monitor low grade cancer than ignore it.
Jim21 Member
Gogs, you are absolutely right , this test found my cancer and a biopsy done proved that cancer was present for me. The physical exam did not .
GlennS44 Member
EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENTS ARE KEYS IN FIGHTING THIS DISEASE. PSA TESTING IS VITALE AND THE BEST WAY TO CACTH IT BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.
Guy Meredith Moderator & Contributor
Not enough options in the poll; I had a test two months ago. While PSA level does not track presence of cancer directly, a rapid increase may indicate cancer. I was diagnosed with Stage 2b cancer though I had a PSA level of only 3.1, below the "red flag" level for a man 73 years of age. Going on level alone, my primary care provider failed to diagnose the cancer. I went to an urologist who did a digital rectal exam, found nodules on my prostate and repeated the PSA test after a 6 month period to look for increase. This led to a biopsy and diagnosis of the cancer. I have issues with the medical community deciding for us what is considered over diagnosis. This should be a decision made based on well informed conversation with the patient well before likelihood of the cancer developing. The medical community seems to too often fail to bring us into the conversation. In my opinion, the PSA test is non invasive and should be part of annual physical exams very early on and continue through life. The digital rectal exam is a bit more invasive, but should also be part of the standard physical exam. Unfortunately, physical exams seem to be a thing of the past. I'm 4 years in remission, but now at age 78 I'm continuing with PSA tests at three month intervals because I'm on testosterone replacement therapy to counter the effects of continuing male menopause after end of hormone therapy (ADT / androgen deprivation therapy). Guy B. Meredith, moderator and cancer survivor.
gordy4313 Member
My PSA on my last year's annual physical was around 2.4. This year I noticed it went up to 4.21 in one year. I am a retired medic. I've worked in emergency and clinical type settings. So I keep an eye on all of my blood work. I have past blood work history from before 2017. All the past test show a .21 rise, but not 2.0. It was significant enough for me to notice. I asked my PCP to refer me to a Urologist. A month later after a MRI and later a biopsy. I find out that I have one Gleason 8, two Gleason 9 and another suspicious core sample. PSA testing is important.
Chef Jeff Member
PSA is a potent part of the means to detect Prostate Cancer. I too had no symptoms and the urologist I was seeing had me urinating into a funnel connected to a computer measuring flow and amount. I had no issues urinating. However, every test my PSA was rising, although very small amounts. My PCP laughed and immediately sent me to a regional University Medical Center. After reviewing everything, conducting his own exam (DRE) I was scheduled for a biopsy. Bingo! Cancer - Gleason 9! Fortunately no distant metastasis, had RP and 1 lymph node positive.
CommunityMember5eff3b Member
1 year ago, my psa was 7.5. They did a biopsy after that. Week before Christmas, they removed inside of prostate & what they took out was equal to the size of two normal size prostates. It is malignant
JohnInTheMiddle Member
 It is a false equivalence to suggest there's any question as to whether or not PSA testing is a good or not. Since 2012 when the preventative Services Task Force made the recommendation which was then adopted in North America and UK and other jurisdictions, there is a growing rate of de novo prostate cancer diagnosis where the cancer is already metastasized. My own actuarial calculations suggest I'll lose between 11 and 19 years of life with my family. Why is there no question? Because the so-called harm from PSA testing is not harm at all. We can all understand of course that a blood test is not risky at all. The only harm comes from stupid, possibly profit driven, decisions afterwards. And so we'd rather remain in the dark. This is a public policy failure and an escalating tragedy. And it is disappointing that any responsible organ would present the question as a question. And that there are still doctors and clinicians who think it's a question.