What to do if your PSA test is abnormal | Peter Attia & Ted Schaeffer
Peter Attia MD・17 minutes read
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate that can leak into the bloodstream, with different forms indicating benign or cancerous cells. Advanced testing involves assessing various PSA markers, with baseline testing at age 40 recommended for monitoring risks and potentially detecting prostate cancer early.
Insights
- Free PSA percentage is crucial in determining the nature of cells, with high levels indicating benign cells and low levels suggesting potential cancer cells, influencing the need for further evaluation and monitoring.
- Baseline PSA testing at age 40 or 45, along with regular monitoring, can provide valuable insights into one's prostate health, enabling early detection of issues like prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of proactive health management and personalized screening strategies tailored to individual risks and needs.
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Recent questions
What is PSA and its significance?
PSA is a protein aiding in semen liquefaction, produced by the prostate, with high levels in semen. It should not be in the blood but leaks from prostatic cells, mostly bound to proteins like albumin or sex Alpha kyot tripin. Fully processed PSA can float freely in the bloodstream, while unprocessed PSA is bound to proteins. Free PSA indicates benign cells, while bound PSA suggests leakage from cancer cells.
How does PSA density relate to cancer risk?
PSA density is the ratio of PSA to prostate volume, with a lower ratio correlating with lower cancer risk. This measurement helps in assessing the likelihood of prostate cancer development based on the concentration of PSA in relation to the size of the prostate gland.
What is the significance of PSA velocity?
PSA velocity tracks the speed of PSA increase, signaling the need for further evaluation. A rapid increase in PSA levels over time can indicate potential issues such as prostate cancer, prompting healthcare providers to conduct additional tests and screenings to determine the underlying cause of the elevated PSA velocity.
How does free PSA percentage impact cancer screenings?
Free PSA percentage correlates strongly with the size of the issue, particularly in the context of cancer screenings like for prostate cancer. Monitoring the percentage of free PSA in the blood can provide valuable insights into the likelihood of prostate cancer, with higher levels indicating a lower risk. This information is crucial in determining the necessity for further diagnostic procedures or interventions.
What are the recommendations for baseline PSA testing?
Baseline PSA testing at age 40 is recommended for understanding lifetime risks of developing or dying from prostate cancer. Individuals are urged to take ownership of their health by tracking PSA levels over time, as proactive monitoring can lead to early detection and potentially life-saving interventions. Regular monitoring and adherence to screening guidelines can help in the timely identification and management of prostate cancer.
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Summary
00:00
Understanding PSA in Prostate Health
- PSA is a protein aiding in semen liquefaction, produced by the prostate, with high levels in semen.
- PSA should not be in the blood but leaks from prostatic cells, mostly bound to proteins like albumin or sex Alpha kyot tripin.
- Fully processed PSA can float freely in the bloodstream, while unprocessed PSA is bound to proteins.
- Free PSA indicates benign cells, while bound PSA suggests leakage from cancer cells.
- Other PSA siblings like hk3 can also leak into the bloodstream, used in advanced PSA tests like the 4K score.
- Percent free PSA varies by age and PSA level, with higher levels indicating benign nature.
- PSA density is the ratio of PSA to prostate volume, with a lower ratio correlating with lower cancer risk.
- PSA velocity tracks the speed of PSA increase, signaling the need for further evaluation.
- Advanced PSA-based testing involves assessing percent free PSA and other PSA-related markers.
- Screening guidelines vary, with some recommending baseline PSA at age 45 and regular monitoring for trends.
15:29
"PSA Testing Crucial for Cancer Prevention"
- Free PSA percentage correlates strongly with the size of the issue, particularly in the context of cancer screenings like for prostate cancer, where existing technology has significantly reduced deaths, although challenges remain in preventing deaths from other cancers like pancreatic and breast cancer.
- Baseline PSA testing at age 40 is recommended for understanding lifetime risks of developing or dying from prostate cancer, with individuals urged to take ownership of their health by tracking PSA levels over time, as proactive monitoring can lead to early detection and potentially life-saving interventions.
