In fact, fluctuations in PSA of up to 36% from one day to the next may have nothing to do with cancer. Prostate infections and inflammation may account for some of the variation, as can an enlarged prostate and advancing age.
Decoding a PSA Test
For men in their 40s and 50s: A PSA score greater than 2.5 ng/ml is considered abnormal. The median PSA for this age range is 0.6 to 0.7 ng/ml. For men in their 60s: A PSA score greater than 4.0 ng/ml is considered abnormal. The normal range is between 1.0 and 1.5 ng/ml.
PSA levels can fluctuate, and they can be influenced by a number of different factors.
PSA -raising factors.
Besides cancer, other conditions that can raise PSA levels include an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH ) and an inflamed or infected prostate (prostatitis). Also, PSA levels normally increase with age.
PSA is a protein produced in the prostate by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue. Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of cancer, but high PSA levels can also be a result of non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an infection. PSA levels also rise naturally as you age.
Many doctors recommend a prostate biopsy for men whose percent-free PSA is 10% or less, and advise that men consider a biopsy if it is between 10% and 25%.
There are currently no foods or beverages to avoid before taking a PSA test. While some foods might be linked to prostate conditions, no scientific evidence links the consumption of one food to elevated PSA levels. There is no need to avoid certain foods, coffee or alcohol before taking a PSA test.
While no research has proven that stress or anxiety causes cancer to start, scientists have known for years that anxiety's lingering cascade of neurotransmitters, hormones and other biological molecules can lead to a rise in PSA and even inflame existing PCa.
In addition, various factors can cause someone's PSA level to fluctuate. For example, the PSA level tends to increase with age, prostate gland size, and inflammation or infection.
Don't ejaculate for at least two days before you get the PSA test. This can send more PSA into the bloodstream and can artificially raise your PSA level. Don't get the PSA test after your rectal exam. Your doctor should know this, but sometimes it happens.
Semen released during sexual activity can cause PSA levels to rise temporarily, which may affect the test results. For the same reason, before having a PSA test men should not have: exercised vigorously in the previous 48 hours. an active urinary infection (PSA may remain raised for many months)
If you have an elevated PSA level your doctor may perform a digital rectal exam to check for lumps on the prostate. They will also likely order another PSA test to see if your level continues to rise. They may order imaging tests to check for cancer on the prostate.
Speed of increase over time:The amount of PSA in the blood is measured in nanograms per milliliter. An increase greater than 0.35 nanograms is linked to a higher risk for prostate cancer. Focus on increases over time, or at least one year.
0-2.5: Normal for a man 40-50 yrs. 2.5-3.5: Normal for a man 50-60 yrs. 3.5-4.5: Normal for a man 60-70 yrs. 4.5-5.5: Normal for a man 70-80 yrs.
Drink tea. Both green tea and hibiscus tea are among the top drinks for prostate health. Both types of tea contain potent antioxidants. Studies show that green tea can help prevent prostate cancer from forming and may also slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancer.
A urine test can easily diagnose a urinary tract infection so that it can be ruled out as a factor affecting the PSA test. When a man ejaculates during sexual activity, PSA levels can be impacted, but only for up to 24 hours.
A study on Alcohol Consumption and PSA-detected Prostate Cancer Risk by NIH researchers found that excessive drinking can depress PSA levels, thus reducing the reliability of PSA-based tests for heavy drinkers.
Limit caffeine and alcohol as these may stimulate the urge to urinate. Eat a low-fat diet. Eat a large variety of vegetables each day. Eat a few servings of fruit daily, and be sure to include citrus fruits.
Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night. Blood in the urine or semen. Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED) Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas from cancer that has spread to bones.
5-year relative survival rate of nearly 100 percent: Five years after diagnosis, the average prostate cancer patient is about as likely as a man without prostate cancer to still be living.