PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein secreted by certain cells inside the male prostate gland. When detected in elevated amounts in your bloodstream, it may indicate the presence of prostate inflammation, prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. While your diet does not typically cause PSA elevations, it may play a role in increasing your prostate cancer risks.
PSA Basics
Men normally have small amounts of PSA in their bloodstream, according to the National Cancer Institute. As you age, your chances of developing common prostate problems increases. If you develop a prostate problem, it will typically elevate your blood levels of PSA. However, PSA levels naturally increase with age, and the presence of elevated PSA is not sufficient to make a prostate-related diagnosis. Consult your doctor to learn about normal PSA levels for your particular age.
Prostate Cancer Risks
Your doctor may recommend a PSA test if you have certain known risks for prostate cancer, including advanced age, a family history of the disease, African-American heritage and a diet high in animal fats, the NCI reports. Reputable organizations differ in their recommendations for routine PSA testing, according to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry's Lab Tests Online. The NCI and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recommend annual testing, while the American Cancer Society recommends yearly testing for all men aged 50 or older, as well as earlier testing for men with known cancer risks.
PSA Elevation Factors
Apart from the presence of disorders inside your prostate gland, Lab Tests Online lists a number of factors that can temporarily elevate your PSA levels, including undergoing a digital rectal exam and performing physical activities --- such as bicycle riding --- that affect your prostate. You can also develop a temporary PSA elevation as a result of semen ejaculation. If you undergo a prostate biopsy or other removal of prostate tissue, your PSA levels may rise for a month or longer. Use of large doses of certain chemotherapy drugs, including methotrexate and cyclophosphamide, can either raise or lower your results on a PSA test. You can also develop elevated PSA levels if you have a prostate infection.
Test Result Factors
In some cases, you may receive false-positive results for PSA elevation, the NCI notes. These inaccurate results can produce effects that include increased personal anxiety, increased financial burdens and exposure to unnecessary additional testing or therapeutic procedures. PSA elevations related to prostate inflammation or prostate enlargement do not predict your chances for developing prostate cancer. Roughly 65 to 75 percent of men who undergo further testing after an elevated PSA result do not have prostate cancer.
Considerations
Doctors generally agree that the presence of 10 nanograms or more of PSA per milliliter of blood indicates an increased risk for prostate cancer, however, they do not agree on the significance of lower levels of PSA elevation. Some doctors believe you should normally have a PSA level of roughly 4 ng/ml, while others believe any amount above 2.5 ng/ml indicates an increased prostate cancer risk. Ask your doctor about the significance of your results on a PSA test.
