San Miguel Clinic: Your Nearest Hispanic Clinic for Prostate Blood Test
What You Should Know
What is a prostate blood test?
The prostate blood test, also known as PSA (prostate-specific antigen), is a simple test that measures the amount of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, a walnut-sized gland located beneath the bladder in men.
Why is it important to have a prostate blood test?
Prostate blood test can help detect prostate cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer.
At what age should I have a prostate blood test?
The American Cancer Society recommends that men age 50 and older have a prostate blood test annually. Black men or men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 45.
What should I do if my prostate blood test is high?
A high PSA result does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. There are other conditions that can cause an increase in PSA, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate). If your PSA test is high, your doctor will recommend more tests to determine the cause.
Prostate cancer preventive care:
- Maintaining a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
- Avoid being overweight: Obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
- Don't smoke: Smoking increases the risk of prostate cancer.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of prostate cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The prostate blood test is a simple and painless test. A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.
Prostate Health Matters: PSA Testing for Early Detection.