Regular screening can help find prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Our urology team provides clear guidance, timely testing, and next day access for newly diagnosed patients.
How Do You Screen for Prostate Cancer?
Physicians use a blood test to screen for prostate cancer. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
test measures the level of a protein produced by the prostate gland in a man’s blood. Elevated antigen levels can be an indicator of prostate cancer or noncancerous conditions such as an enlarged prostate. A PSA blood test is the primary tool for prostate cancer screening, but further tests are needed for a definitive diagnosis.
Who Should Get Screened and When?
The American Cancer Society advises most men to begin annual screening at age 50. Those at higher risk should consider starting at age 45. Higher risk includes a family history of prostate cancer and African American men. Screening choices are personal. Talk with your clinician about benefits and potential harms so you can decide together what is right for you.
Your primary care clinician can order a PSA test during a routine wellness visit or through a lab draw.
Understanding Your Results
- If your PSA is not elevated, your clinician will usually recommend returning for screening in one year.
- If your PSA is elevated, your clinician may repeat the test and refer you to a urologist to consider next steps. An elevated result does not always mean cancer. It is a signal to look more closely.
What Happens After an Elevated PSA?
A urologist will review your health history, examine you, and discuss options that may include a prostate exam, advanced blood or urine tests, imaging such as MRI, or a biopsy if indicated. Only a biopsy can diagnose cancer. If cancer is found, your care team will explain stage and grade, and outline a plan that fits your goals and overall health.
Prostate Cancer Care at UCI Health
Prostate cancer often grows slowly and is highly treatable when found early. UCI Health offers specialists in diagnosis and treatment, including active surveillance for low risk disease, surgery, and radiation therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a normal PSA mean I can skip future tests?
No. PSA reflects a point in time. Regular screening helps track changes and supports early detection.
Can anything other than cancer raise PSA?
Yes. Urinary infections, recent ejaculation, cycling, and prostate enlargement can raise PSA. Your clinician will consider these factors when interpreting your result.
Is a digital rectal exam still used?
Many clinicians still use a prostate exam along with PSA testing because feeling an abnormality can add useful information. Whether to include this exam is part of shared decision making.
What if I am anxious about a biopsy?
Not every elevated PSA leads to a biopsy. Your urologist can often refine risk with repeat testing or imaging. If a biopsy is recommended, the team will explain the procedure and recovery.
Screening decisions are personal. Our team will help you weigh your options and move forward with confidence.
