PSA test remains appropriate prostate cancer screening for many.
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While there’s debate over the need for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer, doctors at Cleveland Clinic Florida say PSA testing is still appropriate for many men.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the United States. Approximately one in six are likely to be diagnosed in their lifetime.
“Survival rates are high when prostate cancer is caught early and treatment is most effective,” says William Gans, MD, a prostate cancer specialist with Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Urological & Kidney Center. Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute ranked #1 in the U.S. for urology by U.S. News & World Report. Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Center is honored to provide the nation’s leading urologic care to South Florida.
Dr. Gans sees patients at Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Tomsich Health and Medical Center of Palm Beach located in City Place Tower, he also sees patients at the new Coral Springs Family Health Center.
“A normal PSA test, together with a digital rectal exam, can help determine that it’s unlikely you have prostate cancer.”
Generally, the PSA screening is encouraged in men between the ages of 40 and 75, and in men with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Since PSA testing was introduced in 1987, deaths from prostate cancer have dropped 40 percent.
“The PSA test is not perfect and it doesn’t tell the whole story,” says Dr. Gans. Many men have elevated PSA levels but do not have prostate cancer. In addition, low levels of PSA don’t necessarily rule out the possibility of cancer. Cleveland Clinic Florida urologists frequently use new tests to determine the need for prostate biopsy.
“Ultimately, whether to have a PSA test is something you should decide after discussing your risk factors with your doctor,” Dr. Gans says.
Download a free prostate cancer treatment guide by visiting ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Cancer. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Gans, call 800.639.DOCTOR or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/ProstateCancer.