Information about the PSA Test and its use in Prostate Cancer from the BC Cancer Agency

The PSA test is a blood test that measures a substance produced by the prostate, called prostate specific antigen (PSA). There are 3 potential uses for PSA:

1. PSA may be used for monitoring of established prostate cancer and metastatic disease (spread of prostate cancer) or detection of early recurrence of prostate cancer, where prostate cancer is already known.
2. PSA may be used as a diagnostic adjunct in combination with other tests for early detection of prostate cancer in symptomatic men with:
   • Urinary symptoms
   • Suspicious digital rectal examination findings
   The standard method of early detection for prostate cancer is the digital rectal examination (DRE) which should be done annually in fit men 50-70 years or if obstructive or other urinary tract symptoms are present.
3. Screening tool.

Recently revised information on the BC Cancer Agency's policy on PSA testing.