What Is a PSA Test? Understanding Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, but with early detection, it can be treated effectively. One of the most valuable tools in early detection is the PSA test. But what exactly is it, and when should you consider getting one?

What Is a PSA Test?

A PSA test is a simple blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your bloodstream. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate gland. Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer, but they can also signal other prostate conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis.

Why Is the PSA Test Important?

Early-stage prostate cancer typically doesn’t cause symptoms. That’s why screening is essential—especially for men over the age of 50 or those with risk factors such as:

Family history of prostate cancer
African American descent
Age 55 or older
Diets high in red meat and dairy

By catching prostate cancer early through PSA testing, treatment can be less invasive and more successful.

How Is the PSA Test Performed?

The PSA test is a quick and non-invasive procedure:

A small blood sample is taken from your arm.
The sample is sent to a lab to measure PSA levels.
Results are usually reported in nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood (ng/mL).

While there is no single "normal" PSA level, most doctors consider PSA levels under 4.0 ng/mL as typical. However, what's normal can vary depending on age and other factors.

What Happens If Your PSA Levels Are Elevated?

If your PSA level is higher than normal, don’t panic—it doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer. Dr. Samadi may recommend:

A repeat PSA test to confirm results
A digital rectal exam (DRE)
An MRI or ultrasound of the prostate
A prostate biopsy for further evaluation

The key is early detection followed by expert guidance—which is exactly what Dr. Samadi provides.

Benefits and Limitations of PSA Testing

Benefits:

Early detection of prostate cancer
Monitoring effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment
Identifying cancer recurrence

Limitations:

Elevated PSA levels don’t always mean cancer
Some cancers may not produce much PSA
May lead to unnecessary biopsies or treatments in some cases

That’s why it’s important to work with a trusted specialist like Dr. Samadi who understands how to interpret your results in the full context of your health.

When Should You Get a PSA Test?

According to current guidelines, men should consider PSA screening:

At age 50 for average-risk individuals
At age 45 for high-risk individuals (family history or African American men)
At age 40 for men with a strong family history of prostate cancer

If you're unsure whether it's time for your first PSA test, Dr. Samadi can help guide your decision with a personalized risk assessment.

Why Choose Dr. David B. Samadi for Prostate Cancer Screening?

Dr. Samadi is a world-renowned urologic oncologist and pioneer of robotic prostate surgery. With decades of experience and thousands of successful procedures, he is one of the most trusted voices in prostate cancer care. His approach to screening is personalized, evidence-based, and focused on your long-term health and peace of mind.

Take Control of Your Health Today

If you're over 40 or have risk factors for prostate cancer, now is the time to take action. Schedule your PSA screening with Dr. David B. Samadi today.