Is PSA screening helpful?

Yes, but it has limitations.  PSA is a protein found in both normal prostate tissue and in prostate cancer.  Men with a prostate gland usually have a detectable PSA whether or not they have prostate cancer.  There are age based guidelines to help make recommendations of whether a certain PSA is worrisome and deserves further investigation.  Physicians should use the PSA together with a comprehensive history and physical exam in order to make helpful recommendations.  A high PSA that has remained stable for years can simply be the result of an enlarged non-cancerous prostate while a rapidly rising PSA can be more concerning.  Talk with your PCP or a prostate cancer specialist to learn more.