Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

This test is used to evaluate prostate function, particularly as a screening test for prostate cancer.

It is also used to help diagnose prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

For use as a prostate cancer screening test, both the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the American Urological Association (AUA) recommend that men consider potential benefits and risks of testing when making a decision.^2-3

ACS recommendations include:

• Begin PSA screening at age 50 for average-risk men.²
• Begin PSA screening at age 45 for high-risk men.² This includes men who are African-American, or who have a first-degree relative (dad, brother, or son) who had prostate cancer before age 65.²
• Begin PSA screening at age 40 for men with 2 or more first-degree relatives who had prostate cancer before age 65.²
• Repeat screening annually or every 2 years based on the PSA result.²

AUA recommendations include:

• Begin screening at age 55 and continue through age 69 for average-risk men.³
• Repeat screening every 2 years, or at different intervals based on PSA result.³
• Consider screening men age 40-54 if they are high risk, including African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.³
• Consider continuing to screen men age 70 or older when they are in excellent health (defined by the AUA as men expected to live another 10-15 years).³

1. American Cancer Society. American Cancer Society recommendations for prostate cancer early detection. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/moreinformation/prostatecancerearlydetection/prostate-cancer-early-detection-acs-recommendations. Revised: April 14, 2016. Accessed: May 10, 2016.
2. American Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer Prevention and Early Detection. Available online at: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003182-pdf.pdf.Revised: April 14, 2016. Accessed: May 10, 2016.
3. American Urological Association. Early Detection of Prostate Cancer: AUA Guideline. Available at: https://www.auanet.org/education/guidelines/prostate-cancer-detection.cfm. Published: April 2013. Accessed: May 10, 2016.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Sep 26, 2018