PSA Test
PSA: Watch for changes
Prostate specific antigen (PSA) has been a valuable blood test for detecting prostate cancer. Studies have found that men with and without prostate diseases, such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer, can have elevated PSA measurements. But men with prostate cancer generally have greater rates of change in PSA levels than those without cancer. Over the 10 years before diagnosis with prostate cancer, the prostate level shows a dramatic increase.
Chart:
Average PSA level
In micrograms per liter of blood
Vertical scale: 0 to 20
Horizontal scale: 20 to 0 Years before diagnosis (Model assumes an age of 75 years at diagnosis)
Description: Line labeled “Controls (no disease)” from less than 1 to a little more than 1; line labeled “BPH” from about 1 to a bit more than 3; line labeled “Local or regional cancer” from about 1 to about 9; line labeled “Metastatic cancer cases” from just under 2 to an arrow pointing past 20.
Source: Journal of the American Medical Association
One take away is that we shouldn’t freak out about a single test with a given PSA reading. Instead, let’s work with our physician. Understand our genetic risk profile. Begin benchmark PSA testing at the appropriate age for our risk profile, age 50 for most men, 45 or 40 for those at moderate or high risk. Then compare our PSA readings over time to stay on top of our prostate health.
Text and illustrations by Kevin T. Boyd
Acupressure for prostate symptoms
Here are lists of acupressure points for Prostate or Sex organ symptoms, on PointFinder.org.
If this is your first time, please read the instructions. Don’t use acupressure to replace standard emergency procedures or licensed medical treatment. If you are seriously injured or have acute symptoms seek urgent medical treatment.