Private MD News

PSA levels at age 60 may predict prostate risk

Category: Prostate

Most doctors recommend that men over age 50 receive a PSA test to determine their risk for developing prostate cancer. A new study has found that the procedure may be particularly important for men over age 60, as PSA levels at this age are closely associated with the risk of developing dangerous, life-threatening prostate cancer.

Researchers from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York examined the medical records of 1,167 men who gave blood samples for prostate testing in 1981. They found that men who had the highest PSA levels at age 60 were significantly more likely to die from prostate cancer or have it spread to other areas of the body.

There is currently disagreement in the field of men's health as to how widespread testing should be. Some have argued that too many men receive PSA tests, which leads to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. However, others have argued that the procedure is an indispensible part of men's healthcare, and has saved countless lives.

Researchers said that they hope their findings may contribute to solving this disagreement by making it clear which men are the most at risk and will benefit from further testing.