
Get answers to your Genitourinary cancer questions.
Dr. Heather Mannuel’s Bio | Q&A Archive
Prostate-specific antigen; Prostate cancer screening test
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:
Discuss the benefits and risks of testing with your doctor to determine whether screening is right for you.
The American Urologic Association, American Cancer Society, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommend that:
However, these guidelines are not recommended for everyone. Many health organizations, including the US Preventive Services Task Force, do not recommend routine PSA testing.
Lin K, Lipsitz R, Miller T, Janakiraman S. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Benefits and harms of prostate-specific antigen screening for prostate cancer: an evidence update for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med. 2008;149:192-199.
Lim LS, Sherin K; ACPM Prevention Practice Committee. Screening for prostate cancer in U.S. men ACPM position statement on preventive practice. Am J Prev Med. 2008;34:164-170.
Walsh PC, DeWeese TL, Eisenberger MA. Clinical practice. Localized prostate cancer. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:2696-2705.
Walter LC, Bertenthal D, Lindquist K, Konety BR. PSA screening among elderly men with limited life expectancies. JAMA. 2006;296:2336-2342.