Many men take a proactive approach to their health. They monitor their weight, exercise regularly and keep an eye on their blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Yet one important aspect of men’s health is often overlooked: the prostate.

The prostate is a small gland within the male reproductive system, but changes in this gland can significantly affect a man’s health and quality of life.

PSA-Check™ offers a simple and convenient way to monitor prostate health by measuring Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels. Understanding your PSA level can help identify when further medical evaluation may be beneficial.

What Is PSA?

PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen, a protein produced by cells within the prostate gland.

Small amounts of PSA normally circulate in the bloodstream, and PSA levels tend to increase gradually with age.

However, several prostate conditions can cause PSA levels to rise, including:

• Prostate cancer
• Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
• An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Hormone replacement therapy

A PSA test does not diagnose prostate cancer. Instead, it helps identify men who may benefit from additional investigations.

What Do Elevated PSA Levels Mean?

An elevated PSA result does not automatically mean prostate cancer is present.

PSA levels vary from person to person, and what is considered normal often depends on age.

However, a PSA level of 10 ng/mL or higher may be associated with a greater risk of prostate cancer and usually warrants further medical assessment.

A raised PSA level simply indicates that more information is needed to determine the underlying cause.

What Happens After a High PSA Result?

If your PSA level is elevated, a healthcare professional may recommend additional tests.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

During a DRE, a doctor gently examines the prostate through the rectum to assess its size, shape and texture.

Ultrasound

Imaging studies can help identify abnormalities within the prostate gland.

Prostate Biopsy

In some cases, a doctor may collect a small sample of prostate tissue and examine it under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.

Not every man with an elevated PSA level will need all of these investigations, but they can provide a clearer picture of prostate health.

Who Is at Higher Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Although prostate problems can affect any man, certain factors increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Higher-risk groups include:

• Black men
• Men with a family history of prostate cancer
• Men with inherited genetic mutations associated with prostate cancer

For these individuals, regular prostate cancer screening and monitoring may be particularly important.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Prostate conditions often develop without causing symptoms in their early stages.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• A weak urine stream
• Blood in the urine
• A feeling that the bladder is not emptying completely

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer, but they should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

How PSA-Check™ Can Help

PSA-Check™ provides a quick and convenient way to gain insight into your prostate health from the comfort of your home.

It may be particularly useful for men who:

• Are over 40 years of age
• Have a family history of prostate cancer
• Are of African ancestry
• Experience urinary symptoms
• Want to take a proactive approach to their wellbeing

While PSA-Check™ is a valuable screening tool, it should not replace professional medical advice.

A raised PSA result does not mean you have prostate cancer, just as a normal result cannot completely rule it out. It should be viewed as a starting point for further discussion and evaluation with your healthcare provider.

Take Control of Your Prostate Health

Many prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, respond best to treatment when detected early.

Unfortunately, men often delay seeking medical attention because symptoms may seem mild, embarrassing or simply part of ageing.

Knowing your PSA level gives you valuable information and the opportunity to investigate potential concerns before they become more serious.

PSA-Check™ empowers men to take charge of their prostate health, make informed decisions and invest in their long-term wellbeing.

Because looking after your prostate should be no different from looking after your heart, cholesterol or blood pressure. Understanding your numbers today could make all the difference tomorrow.