Elevated PSA Levels and What It Means to You

When your doctor is testing you for prostate cancer, he or she is looking for elevated PSA levels. A normal PSA level is somewhat debatable, but is usually considered below a four. Men with elevated PSA levels have a reading higher than four. Statistics show that men with PSA levels below four have a 15 percent chance of having prostate cancer. Men with a reading between 4 and 10 have a 25 percent chance of having the disease, while men who have a result of 10 or higher have a 67 percent chance of having prostate cancer.

Elevated PSA levels are a sign that something could be wrong, but it could also indicate a less severe condition such as prostate enlargement or prostatitis. It is normal to have prostatitis, especially if you’re an older man. Your doctor will test your PSA levels by drawing blood from your arm. Some researchers have argued that the “normal” PSA levels should be reduced to 2.5 or 3 since 15 percent of men with a reading below 4 have developed prostate cancer. Also, the younger the man, the smaller the prostate, therefore if young men receive a reading of more than 2.5 it should be a cause for concern.

Once your doctor has your results, they will determine if you have elevated PSA levels and if you’re at risk of having prostate cancer. If your physician deems it necessary, the next step is to do a biopsy.

Most men begin testing their PSA levels at age 50, although it is recommended that men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer get tested younger, preferably at age 40. African-American males are also encouraged to get tested earlier since they are more susceptible to developing prostate cancer than Caucasian males.