PSA Screening Remains a Critical Tool

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force’s recent change of heart related to the prostate specific antigen test is music to the ears of many clinicians across the country. This very simple blood test had long been the gold standard for detecting prostate cancer in its earliest and often most treatable stages. The decision to take this blood draw out of the routine screening lineup a few years back had many doctors concerned serious cases of this disease were likely flying under the radar undetected. The decision to bring the test back as a more readily available option for men is hoped to translate into lives saved.

The PSA is a blood test that screens men’s blood for an antigen that is commonly associated with prostate cancer and other prostate-related conditions. When PSA levels are elevated, the blood test serves as a red flag that prostate cancer may be a concern. This test, however, can produce high results when benign conditions, such as age-related prostate enlargement, are present.

Since the PSA is not definitive and can produce false positives, the task force removed it from routine screening recommendations several years ago. The hope was that by removing it as a routine screen more men would be able to avoid invasive biopsies and the risks that may go along with them. The problem, however, is that there is no viable replacement for this test, which means one of the most valuable early detection tools was removed without a readily accessible alternative.

The task force recently altered its recommendation in regard to the PSA. While it is still not suggesting this test for routine screen, it is now suggesting that men and doctors should discuss its availability and its potential importance for providing early detection. There are things men should know about the test and whether they should discuss its potential use with their healthcare providers:

• The PSA is a viable way to detect prostate cancer early – Prostate cancer is often highly treatable when it is detected early. Men who are at moderate to higher risk for this disease should very much consider undergoing routine screens.
• The PSA can be repeated before other actions are taken – As controversy waged around the PSA, researchers conducted studies to find ways to make this blood draw more accurate. One of the simplest pasts for doing so, some studies found, was simply to repeat the blood draw before moving forward with other diagnostics, such as biopsies. When multiple test results show elevated levels, the likelihood of cancer’s presence was found to be much higher.
• The PSA can be backed up by imaging – Should prostate cancer be suspected certain imaging tests may help confirm or deny PSA results before more invasive measures are taken.

Prostate cancer is a real concern for all men as they age. The PSA serves as a valuable first line of defense against this disease. With that in mind, it is recommended that men talk openly with their doctors about this blood test and whether it’s a good idea for them. The option is once again more openly accessible.

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