Prostate Cancer PSA Test
PSA, Free PSA & PSA Ratio Testing in Casablanca
PSA Test for Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Moroccan men over 60. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing is a simple blood test that helps detect prostate problems early, when treatment is most effective.
About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer affects 1 in 7 men during their lifetime. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, but early detection is crucial. PSA testing combined with digital rectal exam (DRE) provides the best early detection.
Types of PSA Tests
Total PSA
Standard screening test
- Measures all PSA in blood
- Normal: <4 ng/mL
- Borderline: 4-10 ng/mL
- High: >10 ng/mL
Free PSA
More specific test
- PSA not bound to proteins
- Helps distinguish cancer from BPH
- Used when total PSA is 4-10
- Free PSA >25% = lower cancer risk
Free/Total PSA Ratio
Best predictor of cancer
- Ratio <10% = High cancer risk
- Ratio 10-25% = Moderate risk
- Ratio >25% = Lower cancer risk
- Helps avoid unnecessary biopsies
Who Should Get PSA Testing?
- Men over 50 - Annual PSA screening recommended
- Men over 40 with family history - Earlier screening if father or brother had prostate cancer
- African descent - Higher risk, start screening at 45
- Urinary symptoms - Difficulty urinating, weak stream, frequent urination
- Enlarged prostate (BPH) - Regular monitoring
- Previous high PSA - Follow-up testing
Understanding Your PSA Results
| PSA Level | Interpretation | Action |
|---|---|---|
| <2.5 ng/mL | Normal (under 50) | Routine screening |
| <4 ng/mL | Normal (over 50) | Annual check |
| 4-10 ng/mL | Borderline | Free PSA test + DRE |
| >10 ng/mL | Elevated | Urologist referral |
| >20 ng/mL | Very high | Likely cancer - biopsy needed |
Important: Causes of Elevated PSA
Cancer-Related:
- Prostate cancer
- Advanced disease
- Metastatic cancer
Benign Causes:
- BPH (enlarged prostate)
- Prostatitis (infection)
- Recent ejaculation
- Bicycle riding
- Recent DRE exam
- Urinary catheter
Preparation for PSA Test
- Avoid ejaculation - 48 hours before test
- No vigorous exercise - 24 hours before (especially cycling)
- Wait after DRE - If you had digital rectal exam, wait 1 week
- No fasting required - Can be done anytime
- Inform about medications - Some drugs affect PSA levels
PSA Velocity (Rate of Change)
The speed of PSA increase is often more important than the absolute value. A rapid rise (PSA velocity >0.75 ng/mL per year) suggests higher cancer risk, even if total PSA is still in normal range.
Warning Signs
See a doctor if you have:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak urine stream
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful urination
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bone pain (advanced cancer)
Hours
- Mon-Fri07:30-19:00
- Saturday08:30-17:00
- Sunday09:00-14:00