By: Matthew Truesdale, M.D., F.A.C.S.
About 113 of every 100,000 Florida men get diagnosed with prostate cancer annually. You might think: Hey, those are good odds! Maybe I’ll hold off on getting tested.
But this is what you should think, instead: Hey, those are good odds! It’s probably because more men are getting tested earlier.
Early detection is a key reason for getting your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test annually. Or, if you’ve never had one, for asking your doctor when you should get your first screening – even if you’re younger than 50.
What’s the point of asking about a PSA blood test early? Here’s what: One year can make the difference in establishing an accurate, healthy baseline. PSA blood tests look for changes in antigen levels, which can suggest cancer. If your PSA number rises by more than 0.75 in one year, it could indicate cancer cell growth. Your first screening establishes that baseline, which is measured in points, so you should get it when you are still at low risk of developing prostate cancer.
Here is another reason to schedule a prostate-specific antigen test for you or a loved one: September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month.
Do You Know Your Cancer Risk Factors?
True, the possibility of developing prostate cancer is more likely after you hit 50. However, 37% of prostate cancer cases occur in men between 45 and 64, the Centers for Disease Control reported in May 2024.
Your doctor could recommend you schedule your first blood screening at age 45 or even 40, depending on these risks:
- Your family matters – If your father and/or brother has a history of prostate cancer, then you carry a higher risk of the disease.
- Your race matters – African American men are more likely than any other race to develop prostate cancer, and at younger ages. Further, African American men are twice as likely to die from the disease.
- Your lifestyle matters – Tobacco smoke, obesity, and high proportions of fatty foods increase the chances of abnormal cell development.
A Life-Changing Point About PSA Tests
There’s a lot of information out there about what PSA tests can do, so here are the basic facts: All of your cells – both healthy and cancer cells – produce antigens. If cancerous prostate cells multiply uncontrollably, the level of those prostate-specific antigens will rise accordingly, raising your baseline.
This is why the timing of your first PSA test is so important. The earlier you get tested (at your doctor’s suggestion), the more likely you’ll establish a baseline that reflects good health.
Further, in addition to testing for cancer growth, annual PSA tests can indicate an enlarged prostate or inflammation.
Defining Your Healthy Baseline: Know Your Antigen Odds
When it comes to PSA readings, there isn’t one normal or abnormal figure. Of the 113 Floridians diagnosed annually, some can have a PSA level of 3, while others a reading of 9.
What matters is a change in your PSA level. If it rises by more than 0.75 in one year, it could indicate cancer cell growth.
Be aware that certain temporary events, including prostate infections, can cause your PSA levels to fluctuate. Even ejaculation and vigorous exercise can increase PSA production for a day or two, so schedule your test when such events won’t alter the reading.
What You Can Do To Manage PSA Production
Some studies indicate that diet and activity can lower PSA in your blood, which is generally preferable. Consider these tips:
Eat more produce – Fruits, veggies, and legumes carry nutrients that strengthen the immune system, which attacks cancer cells.
Walk on the sunny side of the street – Vitamin D, which comes naturally from the sun, supports immunity. Other sources of vitamin D include milk, orange juice, cereals, and supplements.
Exercise your strength – Aerobic activities and weight-lifting can help reduce PSA levels.
If your PSA reading does go up, even with these tips, ask your doctor about next steps. Our AUI physicians who specialize in prostate cancer can describe additional tests and treatment options for you.
Because even if you are one in 113, early detection puts the odds of curing cancer in your favor.
Want to learn more? Visit our prostate cancer page, which includes informative videos. To read about AUI’s Advanced Prostate Cancer Institute, click here.
