How to Read your PSA Score

Your PSA score can be a reliable indicator of your future prostate cancer risk, in addition to digital rectal exam (DRE).

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is an enzyme released by your prostate gland in to your blood stream.

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is an enzyme released by your prostate gland in to your blood stream.

The PSA test tells you about your total and specific fraction ratios.

Some Statistics on PSA Tests

- 25% of men with normal PSA readings (less than 4 ng/ml) eventually develop prostate cancer.

- 80% of those with high PSA results (greater than 4 ng/ml) develop prostate cancer.

Two important parts of the PSA count are;

1. Your total PSA count.

2. Your ratio of free to bound PSA (free/total).

Looking at your PSA Score

There are a number of conditions which may increase your PSA readings.

- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland).

- Enlarged prostate (Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)).

- After ejaculation (up to two days afterwards).

An important reminder... the PSA readings is based on statistics.

If you have a high reading it does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer! Just a higher probability.

PSA Range and Risk Analysis

- Normal: 0-4 ng/ml

- Slightly Elevated: 4-10 ng/ml

- Moderately Elevated: 10-20 ng/ml

- Highly Elevated: 20+ ng/ml

PSA Ratio Importance

A good way to distinguish prostate cancer risk against an enlarged prostate and prostatitis, is through the free vs. bound PSA ratio.

The main differences are;

- There will be more bound PSA with Prostate Cancer.

- There will be more free PSA with prostatitis and an enlarged prostate.

- A free PSA less than 25% indicates your risk of prostate cancer at around 10% to 20%.

- Anything less than 10% and your risk for prostate cancer jumps to 50%.

Prostate Specific Antigen Velocity (PSA-V)

The PSA velocity indicates how fast your psa scoring has increased over time. The greater the increase, the greater your risk of developing prostate cancer.

Therefore it is a good idea to get your score measured regularly (every year after 40). More often if you're already in a high risk category.

PSA Doubling Time (PSA-DT)

The rate at which your PSA levels double is also a useful tool in accessing prostate cancer risk. It can be an indication of how aggressive your prostate cancer may be or other prostate irregularities such as enlarged prostate or prostatitis.

It may also lead to more appropriate application of prostate cancer treatment options by your doctor. A common practice for most doctors is to order a biopsy if your PSA readings double in less than three years.