PSA or Prostate Specific Antigen Test is a type of cancer screening that looks for symptoms and signs of prostate cancer. It helps in identifying prostate cancer at an early stage to provide an effective treatment. However, getting the test done can do more harm than bring benefits.
The test is normally not required because of the following reasons:-
- High PSA’s can be due to a large prostate gland.
- Recent sexual intercourse.
- An infection in your prostate.
- A long and recent bike ride.
If the level of your PSA is not normal, then you will need a biopsy. For this, the doctor will require to put in a needle through your rectum wall and into your prostate. A biopsy can lead to bleeding and be painful. But, some men may suffer from serious infections and need to get hospital care.
Radiation or surgery is the treatment for prostate cancer. Treatment can result in complications like blood clots in the lungs or legs, and heart attacks.
What increases the risk of you having prostate cancer?
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Age :-
When you are getting old, the risk of you having prostate cancer rises. After the age of fifty, the risk becomes more threatening.
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Family history :-
If any of your family members like your brother, father, or uncle had prostate cancer, then you may have a risk of prostate cancer.
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Mutations of inherited genes :-
Gene mutations that have the risk of prostate cancer consist of BRCA2 and BRCA1. They mostly are associated with different kinds of cancer. Hence, you need to do some genetic testing.
The Right Age for Screening of Prostate Cancer:-
At the age between fifty-five and sixty-nine, men are more prone to prostate cancer. During this time, treatments are most useful. This is because the benefits weigh more than any side effects.
Conclusion :-
To get more information about the PSA test, contact Dr. Irfan Shaikh at Urolife Care Clinic in Pune.