Understanding Age-Specific PSA Testing: Guidelines, Benefits, and Considerations

Benefits and Risks of Age-Specific PSA Testing

Benefits:

• Early Detection: PSA testing can help detect prostate cancer at an early stage, potentially leading to more effective treatment and better outcomes.
• Informed Decisions: Regular screening allows men to make informed decisions about their prostate health and potential treatments.

Risks:

• False Positives: Elevated PSA levels may not always indicate cancer, leading to unnecessary anxiety and follow-up procedures.
• Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment: PSA testing can detect cancers that may not progress or impact a man’s health. This can lead to treatments that carry significant side effects, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.