Are High PSA Levels a Sign of Prostate Cancer?

When we were children, ‘C’ was for cookie. Sesame Street – and Cookie Monster – said so and who were we to argue? 

Fast forward, oh, a – cough – few decades and ‘C’ often implies something else altogether. Something, admittedly, far less enticing than a cookie. That one unassuming letter is enough to stop us in our tracks when uttered.

It’s so menacing, in fact, that we’ve even given it a preceding qualifier – the big ‘C.’

‘Cookie’ was inarguably better. 

But alas, here we are. Adults. And gone are the days of cherry wallpapered doctors’ offices with germy buckets of stickers and lollipops. 

And for men specifically, the threat of prostate cancer is akin to a tireless heckler in the stands, taunting and teasing, making you question everything.

‘Am I healthy? How can I be sure? I’ve been sluggish lately – what does that mean? Should I be worried?’

Thankfully, we’ve fielded that question countless times before – from men just like you – and we have answers, too. So if you’re worried about your PSA levels and what that implies for your health, let us help put your mind at ease – and put your health back in your hands.

PSAs & Prostate Cancer

Just as an elevated white-blood-cell or platelet count isn’t a one-way ticket to The Big C, neither are elevated PSA levels. In fact, there are a lot of reasons your PSA levels could be high, such as …

1.Age

PSA levels may increase as you age, caused by the growth of benign, prostatic tissue or even the enlarging of your prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BSA) – and both elevate PSA levels.

2. Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs – which become more common as you age – may increase PSA levels and are easily diagnosed with a urine test and treated with antibiotics.

3. Ejaculation

A study found that PSA levels rise in some men after ejaculation, and may remain higher than their typical baseline level for up to 24 hours after.

4. Parathyroid Hormone

Your parathyroid hormone regulates calcium levels in the blood. It can also promote prostate cancer cell growth – even in men who do not have prostate cancer. 

5. Prostate Injury

An injury to the groin – which is bad enough in and of itself – may increase PSA levels temporarily. Be sure to consider any injuries, such as a fall, impact or accident, which can negatively affect your PSA levels.

6. Surgery 

The temporary bruising or trauma typically associated with surgical procedures to the groin can affect PSA levels, including catheters and surgical scopes.

Knowledge Is Your Greatest Weapon

Still nervous? Still worried and wondering? We’ve got you. There is no ally greater in the preservation of your health than having answers. And with Personalabs, we put that power at your doorsteps and in your hands.

Our Healthy Male Checkup is a comprehensive health assessment designed to be used as a broad screening tool to evaluate organ function, while also checking for markers that may detect heart disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, prostate cancer, male hormone testing, and urinalysis.

That’s everything and the kitchen sink. 

Get your Healthy Male Checkup to have your health – and answers – in your hands today!