Prostate Cancer Screening: Who Needs PSA Tests and When

You probably know the PSA test is important in prostate cancer detection, but you might not know exactly why or when you need it. The truth: It’s different for every man. Learn when it’s time to start the conversation and why timing matters.

Over the last decade, the incidence of prostate cancer has steadily risen by about 3% per year, making early detection more important than ever. At Urology Specialists of Cypress, serving Cypress, Texas, board-certified urologist Dr. James Stocks understands that talking about prostate cancer can feel uncomfortable.

He confidently leads our caring team in providing warm, supportive care that makes it easy for men to discuss sensitive health concerns, including prostate cancer screening.

About 12% of men receive a prostate cancer diagnosis at some point during their lifetime. Although it's the second-most common non-skin cancer in men, early detection can make a huge difference in outcomes.

The PSA test is an important tool in catching prostate cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage. But when should you start? Who needs it? Read on to learn what you should know.

Understanding PSA tests

The PSA test is a blood test that checks the amount of prostate-specific antigen present in your bloodstream. Your prostate gland creates PSA, and it's normal to have small amounts of it in the blood. But elevated levels can point to prostate problems.

An elevated PSA could point to a noncancerous condition like an enlarged prostate or prostate inflammation. Recent ejaculation can cause a temporary spike in PSA levels.

Sometimes, a high PSA can be an early indicator of prostate cancer. But the bottom line is that a PSA test doesn’t confirm whether someone has cancer. Instead, it helps guide the decision on whether further testing is necessary.

Who needs a PSA test?

PSA screening recommendations vary depending on your risk level. At our Cypress office, Dr. Stocks personalizes screening decisions based on your health history, family background, and comfort level.

General guidelines suggest the following:

Average-risk men

Dr. Stocks typically discusses PSA testing with men aged 50-69. The decision to test or not is a joint one you make with Dr. Stocks, based on your unique situation.

Increased-risk men

Dr. Stocks may suggest you consider PSA screening starting at age 45 if you have a family history of prostate cancer or if you’re African American, as your risk is higher compared to your counterparts.

High-risk men

Dr. Stocks may begin PSA screening discussions around age 40 if you have multiple close relatives who were diagnosed with prostate cancer, particularly at a younger age.

How often should you have PSA screening?

The screening interval is, again, highly specific to the individual man. If your PSA levels are within the normal range and you're at average risk, Dr. Stocks may recommend screening once a year to every four years.

If you have elevated PSA levels or higher risk factors, he may suggest more frequent testing.

We aim to avoid overtesting while still taking a proactive, preventive approach so you can feel confident about your prostate and whole-person health.

What happens if I have a high PSA level?

An elevated PSA result isn't a cancer diagnosis. It simply tells us that you may need further evaluation. Depending on your PSA level and medical history, the next step might include:

Repeating the PSA test after a few months
A digital rectal exam (DRE)
Imaging studies or advanced biomarker testing
A prostate biopsy, if needed

Dr. Stocks takes time to explain each option and ensures you feel informed and confident before taking the next step.

Why PSA testing is so important

Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, but aggressive forms do exist. Regardless, it requires treatment, and that's why PSA testing is so important. It allows for early detection. Caught early, when confined to the prostate gland, the cancer has a nearly 100% survival rate.

When we catch it early, we can pursue treatment with less-aggressive means and help you avoid late-stage disease.

If you're over 40 and unsure whether a PSA test is right for you, please don't wait to schedule a visit. At Urology Specialists of Cypress, we offer a comfortable, respectful environment where you can ask questions and make informed decisions about your health.

Call our office today to book your consultation with Dr. Stocks.