The PSA count is a widely accepted screening tool for the presence of prostate cancer.

As for what is truly a safe PSA count, here is what Michael D. Lutz, MD, explains:

“If your PSA is less than 1ng/mL, you are in great shape.

Prostate cancer is exceptionally unlikely with a PSA this low, and many organizations believe that if your PSA <1ng/mL, you can likely skip the digital rectal examination and have the blood test repeated in five years for adequate screening.”

Dr. Lutz is a board certified urologist; Partner at Michigan Institute of Urology; President, MIU Men’s Health Foundation.

Traditionally, what’s perhaps been considered a so-called safe PSA count is 4.0 ng/mL and lower.

Levels above this amount would prompt doctors to recommend a prostate biopsy.

However, men with a PSA below 4.0 ng/mL are not immune to prostate cancer and have actually developed this disease.

Therefore, to say that a “safe” PSA level is anything below 4.0 is no longer accepted as accurate.

Of course, men with higher PSA levels may never develop prostate cancer.

The general consensus, however, is that the higher the PSA level, the more likely that prostate cancer is present.

Causes of an Elevated PSA

PSA (prostate specific antigen) level can become elevated in response to an inflamed prostate, urinary tract infection or surgery on the prostate. Some drugs can also deflate the PSA count.

Men need to be vigilant about having their PSA count taken on a regular basis.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

• Weak urine stream; difficulty generating a urine stream

• Difficulty controlling urination

• Burning or pain when urinating

• Frequent feeling of urgency that’s not resolved after voiding

• Erectile dysfunction

• Painful or weak ejaculation

• Visible blood in the urine

• Visible blood in the semen

• Pain or stiffness in the pelvis, lower back, hips or thighs

Dr. Lutz is experienced in all areas of adult urology and has a special interest in urological cancer, male fertility and urologic stone disease.

Men’s Health Foundation

Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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Top image: Shutterstock, ESB Professional
Source: cancer.gov/types/prostate/psa-fact-sheet#q3