Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate that we measure with a simple blood test. It is a valuable early-detection tool — and also a huge source of anxiety when the result is read without context.
What PSA actually measures
PSA rises whenever the prostate is "irritated" for any reason: benign growth (very common with age), infection, intense exercise, recent sexual activity… and sometimes, cancer. That is why an elevated PSA is not a cancer diagnosis — it is a signal to investigate further.
When to get tested
As general guidance: from age 50 for most men, and from 45 if you have a family history of prostate cancer or belong to a higher-risk group. The best decision is made together with your doctor, weighing the benefits and risks of screening.
How it is interpreted
There is no "magic number." The value is analyzed according to your age, prostate size, previous results, and how fast it changes. A PSA of 5 may be expected in a 70-year-old with a large prostate and concerning in a 50-year-old with a small one.
If your PSA came back high
Take a breath: most PSA elevations are not cancer. The next step is usually repeating the test in a few weeks, a physical exam, and, depending on the case, additional studies such as MRI. Your urologist will guide you step by step.