Beginner’s Guide
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO PROSTATE CANCER
Basic Answers to Commonly Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer
Free PSA Test
Simple Blood Test
Many cases are found by using the simple blood test for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). PSA leaks from the normal prostate cells in small amounts, but an elevated rate of leakage may indicate the presence of prostate cancer cells.
PSA Results
PSA readings of up to 2.5 ng/ml (nanograms per milliliter) are considered normal for a person in his forties. As men grow older, an increase in PSA is normal. Thus, a reading of 3.9 for a 70 year old would be considered normal. (African-Americans should lower these readings by about 0.5). High PSA often indicates the disease is outside the prostate capsule.
Monitoring
If the PSA is abnormally high and the doctor feels something in the gland, a biopsy is usually performed. PSA is also used after therapy as a monitor to indicate therapy failure and if PC is under control.
Finished reading the beginner’s guide?
Next Steps
Our Blog
Lifeline Newsletters
High Decipher Score is Predictive of Docetaxel Benefit in Advanced Prostate Cancer
As a community, we're looking at better ways to improve outcomes, and one way to achieve that, potentially, is docetaxel chemotherapy.
FDA Approves First PSMA-Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Patients with PSMA-positive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer can now be treated with Pluvicto, which may provide hope to an unmet need in this patient population.
Survival, Progression Improves With Xofigo Plus Xtandi for Certain Patients With Prostate Cancer
Patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer saw significant benefits from the combination of Xofigo and Xtandi.
Need to talk to someone?
Nunc consequat justo eget enim finibus porta. Suspendisse orci nunc. Nunc consequat justo eget enim finibus porta. Suspendisse orci nunc.