Prostate Cancer Risk May Be Predicted by PSA Levels in Young Adulthood

The conclusion of study published in Journal of Urology, September 2005 issue, is that levels of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) in young adults are predictive of prostate cancer risk in their late life.

Researchers found several possible evidences for a positive connection between PSA in young adulthood and risk of prostate cancer later in life.

A direct biological explanation may be that PSA in young male population may increase in direct proportion to the number of premalignant or malignant cells in the prostate. When the men are young, their PSA levels are well within the normal range, but the men with higher normal levels, have higher risk.

Another possible explanation is PSA may itself contribute to neoplastic initiation or progression in the prostate or the inflammation of the prostate increases levels of PSA as well as the subsequent risk of cancer.

Screen men at younger ages may be a solution for earlier prostate cancer detection. The problem is that, not to mention the cost, screening carries a psychological load. It is possible that screening male population in their 40s, could help very much in identifying those who should be later checked periodically. Regarding screening costs, the study proposes to be considered people who are at higher risk because of family history or race.





NOTE: The Information on this site is provided for information only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional.




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