What should you know about prostate cancer tumor marker?

The marker most often discussed is prostate-specific antigen, or PSA. Prostate tissue can release PSA, so the result may be considered during assessment, after treatment, or during follow-up. A raised result can have several explanations, including non-cancerous conditions.

Clinicians look at the pattern over time, symptoms, examination, imaging, biopsy findings, and treatment history. Medicines and procedures can affect interpretation, so share all treatments and supplements with the team.

Ask which marker is being measured, why it is needed, and when it should be checked. Tell the clinician about urinary symptoms, recent procedures, infections, medicines, and previous cancer treatment. Keep copies of results so the trend can be discussed.

A marker cannot confirm or exclude prostate cancer on its own. The team may recommend examination, imaging, or biopsy. Difficulty passing urine should be reported because it can have causes needing separate care.

Arrange prompt advice for inability to pass urine, blood in urine with clots, fever, severe pelvic or back pain, or a rapid change in symptoms.

Seek emergency help for sudden leg weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, collapse, chest pain, or serious breathing difficulty. A tumour marker should never delay urgent care.

Which marker are you checking? What other findings will you use? Could medicines, infection, or a recent procedure affect it? When should it be repeated? What change would lead to imaging or another test?