All men over 50 years of age should have a Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and a rectal exam yearly.

In every age group, there are normal PSA levels for those people who do not have cancer. When we use the term "normal PSA" what is meant is that your PSA level is among the 95% of people who do not have cancer. If your PSA level is above this, we say that the PSA is abnormal for the patient's age - but this still doesn't mean you have cancer.

If your PSA is between 4-10, the chance of you having cancer is approximately 20%. If the PSA is between 10-20, the chance of cancer increases to 30%.

If your PSA is considered elevated, your doctor will recommend a prostate needle biopsy. This is done in the office under local anesthesia, and with ultrasound guidance.

Mark W. Tamarin, M.D., F.A.C.S., Q.M.E
Diplomate, American Board of Urology
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.