PSA Screening
Finding prostate cancer in its earliest stages — when it’s easiest to treat — starts with getting your PSA screening every year.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, but there is good news.
Prostate cancer is usually slow-growing and treatable if caught early. Because prostate cancer may show no symptoms in its earliest stages, it's important to get screened regularly if you're over age 50.
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test physicians use to screen for prostate cancer. At UCI Health, our team of urologists specialize in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.
Our approach to PSA screening
The PSA test measures the level of a protein by the prostate gland in a man's blood. That means getting a PSA test each year starting at age 50 is the best way to detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages and effectively treat it.
Elevated antigen levels can be an indicator of prostate cancer or noncancerous conditions such as an enlarged prostate. A PSA blood test is the primary tool for prostate cancer screening, but your physician will need to order further testing for a definitive diagnosis.
If you have symptoms or your PSA blood test is elevated, your doctor may refer to you to our urologic cancer specialists for additional tests.
When should I get a PSA screening?
We recommend having an annual PSA screening starting at age 50, when your risk for developing prostate cancer increases.
Your doctor may recommend a PSA test sooner, starting at age 45, if:
- You have a family history of prostate cancer.
- You are of African American descent.
Talk to your doctor to see if a PSA screening is right for you
Schedule a primary care appointment online today:
Benefits of early, regular PSA screening
Most early-stage prostate cancers are quite curable. That’s why our prostate cancer program focuses on early detection.
Detecting prostate cancer early with a PSA test often leads to:
- More options for your prostate cancer treatment
- Less invasive treatments, including nerve-sparing surgery and preserving sexual function
- Better outcomes
PSA screening follow-up
If your PSA blood test is abnormal, your urologist may order additional blood and urine tests and an MRI scan.
If your screening indicates an elevated PSA, your physician may refer you to a urologist to review the next steps, which may include:
- A physical exam
- Imaging tests
- Biopsy
A diagnosis of cancer is based on these additional diagnostic tests.
If your PSA is not elevated, your physician will recommend your return for screening in another year.
Why choose UCI Health for PSA screening?
Quick, convenient PSA screening appointments
We make it as easy as possible for you to get your annual PSA screening. You can simply schedule an appointment online with one of our primary care physicians at one of our many convenient locations throughout Orange County.
Nationally recognized cancer care
As the only academic medical center in Orange County, UCI Health is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. The NCI only grants this elite designation to 1.3% of cancer centers. This means that you have access to clinicians who are leaders in improving prostate cancer care with the most advanced treatments.
Team approach
If your test shows an elevated PSA, we’ll connect you with our expert urology team. We bring together our imaging specialists, medical oncologists and prostate surgeons — all in one convenient location. They’ll work with you and each other to tailor a treatment plan just for you.
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