A raised PSA level in the blood could be a sign of prostate cancer, and patients should be able to speak with their doctor to discuss how to move forward, and whether they require further tests or annual monitoring.2
Annual screening for prostate cancer could reduce the chance of dying from the disease by around 30%4
While earlier diagnosis based on PSA screening may reduce prostate cancer mortality, efforts to maximise mortality reduction can conversely increase the risk of overdiagnosis in prostate cancer. Indeed, PSA screening is not recommended for all men or for use in national screening programmes, but may be relevant for high-risk individuals.5,6,7
PSA results can inform risk assessments for prostate cancer but they cannot categorically identify cancer or rule it out. There are no specific normal or abnormal levels of PSA in the blood and levels can vary between men and even within the same individual.8
Generally, PSA levels above 3 or 4 ng/ml may indicate a need for further evaluation/referral. 8-10 For example, digital rectal examinations also help to inform a diagnosis of prostate cancer, although biopsy is needed for confirmation, and to grade any cancer found using the Gleason score.6,12 Further staging work-up – for example with computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or transrectal ultrasound – may be warranted.