Quick version
Checking your PSA level is relevant for detecting prostate cancer at an early stage, but it should be used with caution.
Men between the ages of 50 and 75 can consider testing annually to regularly monitor development, while those with a strong genetic predisposition can start earlier. Since the PSA test is not perfect and can lead to unnecessary investigations, anxiety and even treatments, decisions about PSA testing should be carefully considered and also discussed in consultation with a treating physician.
Approximately 350,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Europe each year
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Europe, with around 350,000 new cases diagnosed annually. It is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with thousands of men succumbing to the disease each year. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, and the majority of cases are detected after the age of 65. Early detection through PSA testing can play a crucial role in identifying the disease at a treatable stage.
When should you have a PSA test?
In general, men over 50 should consider taking a PSA test, especially if they have symptoms that may indicate prostate problems, such as difficulty emptying the bladder, increased urination at night or blood in the urine. For men with a family history of prostate cancer, especially if a close relative, father, brother or son, was diagnosed at a young age, testing may be justified as early as age 40. The same applies to people with a genetic predisposition, such as carriers of the BRCA2 gene mutation.
In some cases, PSA testing can also be used to follow up on known prostate problems or to monitor the effect of treatment for prostate cancer. However, the decision to test PSA should always be based on an individual assessment, where the advantages and disadvantages of testing are discussed with a doctor.
- Between 50 and 75 years: Men without symptoms can consider taking a PSA test as part of a health check.
- In case of suspected symptoms: Such as urinary urgency, weak urine stream, blood in the urine or pain in the lower abdomen.
- If there is a strong heredity: Men with a father or brother who was diagnosed before the age of 60 should consider testing from the age of 40.
- In case of a very strong family history: Regular PSA tests may be relevant if several close relatives have had prostate cancer.
Then it is unnecessary or simply inappropriate to take a PSA test
- Before the age of 40: If there is no increased hereditary risk, since prostate cancer is uncommon at younger ages.
- After the age of 75 without symptoms: Small tumors often develop slowly and rarely cause serious problems during life.
- If you have a limited life expectancy due to other diseases: Because the detection of a slow-growing cancer would often not affect the quality of life or increase life expectancy.
PSA test in case of symptoms
If you experience clear symptoms that can be suspected of or related to prostate cancer, a PSA test may be appropriate for further investigation. In the case of elevated PSA values, tissue samples can be taken to determine whether it is cancer or another condition.
What does the PSA value mean?
The PSA value is measured in the blood and is given in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Interpretation limits vary slightly depending on age and individual factors, but here are common reference ranges:
- Low PSA value ( Indicates a low risk of prostate cancer.
