happymanOne of the tests done to diagnose prostate cancer is a PSA test. It measures the amount of PSA, or prostate specific antigen, present in the blood.

The outcome of this test alone is not always an accurate diagnostic tool for prostate cancer. If you have a cancer concern, your doctor would also do other tests for the most accurate diagnosis.

The general guidelines for reading the test are:

  • 4 or less is normal
  • Between 4 and 10 may indicate a benign enlarged prostate
  • Higher than 10 is abnormal and suggests the possibility of prostate cancer.

For the most part, the higher the count, the greater the possibility of cancer. But, on the positive side, 2/3 of men with high PSA levels show no evidence of cancer after a biopsy. So you can see why further testing is always a good idea.

Prostate cancer is very treatable in the early stages and has a very high survival rate (6 out of 7 patients survive the disease). After confirming the diagnosis through further testing, there are various treatment options available.

Some choose to go the route of diet and lifestyle changes – including large amounts of carotenoid rich fruits and vegetables in their diets. Others take a more medical approach which may include surgery, radiation or both. Consider your options carefully and make the best choice for your personal situation.