Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Questions and Answers

Format: Fact Sheet
Institute: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

As men age, both benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer become more frequent. A common test used for detecting prostate conditions, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, measures blood levels of this protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. The doctor takes a blood sample and a laboratory technician gauges the amount of PSA present. It is normal for men to have low levels of PSA in their blood; however, both prostate cancer and benign (not cancerous) conditions can increase PSA levels.

NCI has produced an online fact sheet about PSA, with eight questions and answers about key PSA issues, including who should be screened and why the PSA test is controversial.

Next Steps
For more information, visit http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/5_29.htm.