What should you know about prostate cancer detection test?

The blood test measures prostate-specific antigen, a substance made by prostate cells. A change can occur with cancer, but also with benign enlargement, inflammation or infection. A clinician may examine the prostate and review your symptoms and family history. Magnetic resonance imaging can help identify an area that needs closer assessment, while a biopsy examines tissue under a microscope and can confirm cancer.

Before testing, tell the clinician about urinary infection, recent prostate procedures, ejaculation, cycling and medicines. Ask how the result will be interpreted in your situation and when it will be reviewed. If concern remains, follow-up may involve a repeat blood test, imaging or biopsy. Bring questions about preparation, discomfort, infection precautions and how results could change the care plan.

Arrange medical assessment for persistent difficulty passing urine, blood in urine or semen, or ongoing pain in the pelvis, back or hips. Seek urgent care for complete inability to pass urine, fever with urinary symptoms, severe pain or sudden weakness. Detection testing is not a substitute for prompt assessment of a serious symptom.

Ask which test is proposed and why, what a normal or abnormal result can and cannot establish, whether a repeat test is appropriate, and when imaging or biopsy would be considered. Ask how your other prostate conditions may affect interpretation.