Men over the age of 45 are recommended to participate in an annual screening of prostate specific antigen (PSA). Its elevated level can indicate prostate tumors. The following post summarizes the key facts about the importance of this test.
- Benign prostatic enlargement is characterized by the following symptoms: frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty passing urine, urine that is weak or only comes in drops, and a stinging, burning sensation when urinating.
- In contrast, prostate cancer usually causes no signs or symptoms in the early stages, so the disease goes undetected without screening.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is produced by the epithelial cells of the prostate gland. Its value may be elevated in benign prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.
- If laboratory tests show an elevated level, testing for free PSA is recommended. It is very important for the specialist to compare PSA and free PSA values to reduce the number of biopsies that may subsequently prove unnecessary. PSA screening can help in the early detection of prostate cancer. The disease is easier to treat and more likely to be cured if diagnosed at an early stage.
- Prostate cancer is the third most common malignant cancer type in men, ahead of only lung cancer and colon cancer.
- Among men who regularly participate in PSA screening, the risk of death from prostate cancer is one-third lower than among men who are not screened.
- According to the general guidelines an annual blood test from the age of 45, including monitoring of PSA level is recommended.
- PSA screening is particularly recommended if there is a family history of prostate disease.
- PSA is determined from venous blood and you do not need to come to the blood test on an empty stomach.
- We are waiting for you in our laboratory in Szeged, after booking an appointment, without waiting in a queue!
E-mail: info@hr-pharma.hu
Telephone (7.00-15.00 on weekdays): +36203578281