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Prostate
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What is the PSA blood test?
PSA stands for prostate specific antigen, which is protein produced by
both normal and cancerous prostate cells. A high level of PSA can be a
sign of cancer but it can also be raised in prostate conditions that are
not cancer (benign) if you have an infection.
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What is normal PSA reading?
The reading will vary from man to man and the normal level increases
with age. A value of 4 or less is generally considered to be normal.
Occasionally a cancer may be diagnosed in a man with a PSA reading of
less than 4. But generally speaking the higher the reading, the more
likely it is to be cancer.
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At what age should I have a PSA blood test done?
The PSA blood test is recommended for men age 40 with a family history
of prostate cancer and for all men annually once they reach 50 years
of age. |
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