The PSA test is a blood test that helps to diagnose prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate gland. High levels of PSA suggest this cancer in the patient or other prostate problems such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.
About the Test
Prior to the PSA blood test, the only way to diagnose cancer was through a digital rectal exam; however, the problem was that in the earliest stages of prostate cancer, the digital rectal exam could not detect it. The cancer would have to be large enough to produce a lump that could be felt by the doctor’s finger. Now, with the approval of the PSA blood test by the FDA, the majority of all diagnosed prostate problems cases are in the earliest forms.
The PSA blood test can detect prostate problems at the earliest possible stages. In return, this helps to make the prostate cancer easier to treat and gives patients a higher survival rate. Early stages of prostate cancer that have been diagnosed by the PSA test are treatable and the patient will have over a 95% chance of a relative five-year survival.