The Importance of Monitoring Prostate Health: Why Small Changes Matter

Just like a single point can determine the outcome of a baseball game, a small change in your prostate health can make a significant difference. A slight increase in your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level over a year could be a sign that your risk of prostate cancer is increasing.

The first step in preventing this is establishing your PSA baseline. This baseline is determined through a blood test that measures the specific amount of antigens produced by your prostate cells. This number is unique to you.

A special public awareness campaign this month emphasizes the importance of monitoring your PSA levels. An increase of more than 0.75 points in one year could indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

Understanding Your PSA Baseline
If you’re under 50, you might think it’s too early for a baseline PSA screening. However, consider this: 37% of prostate cancer cases occur in men between 45 and 64 years old, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control in May 2024. It might not be too early after all.

Experts recommend that men schedule their first prostate cancer screening as early as 40 or 45 years old, especially if they have certain risk factors:

• Race: African American men have a higher likelihood of developing prostate cancer at a younger age and are more than twice as likely to die from the disease.
• Family History: If your father or brothers have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk is higher.
• Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, obesity, and a diet high in fatty foods can contribute to abnormal cell development, increasing cancer risk.
• Genetics: Many cancers are hereditary. Genetic testing can provide crucial information about your risk and that of your family members. Learn more about Genetic Testing services.

With September being Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, now is a great time to schedule a PSA test for yourself or a loved one and encourage others to do the same.

Why Even a Small Change in PSA Levels is Important
Your PSA level acts as a marker that can indicate something harmful might be happening in your body. While external toxins can affect your antigen levels, your cells, including prostate cells, also produce antigens. Healthy prostate cells produce a specific amount of antigens, which makes up your PSA baseline.

However, cancerous cells also produce antigens, and as they grow and spread, they increase your PSA levels. An enlarged prostate can also cause a rise in PSA.

A PSA test can detect these changes, so getting screened early helps establish a more accurate baseline.

What Constitutes a Healthy PSA Baseline?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all PSA baseline. For example, a man with a PSA level under 4, once considered normal, might have cancer, while someone with a level of 9 might not. What’s critical is whether your PSA level rises. An increase of more than 0.75 points in a year could indicate the presence of cancer cells.

The timing of your test is also essential, as various factors, such as infections, inflammation, ejaculation, or even intense exercise like cycling, can temporarily elevate PSA levels.

Tips for Lowering Your PSA Levels
Generally, a lower PSA level is preferable. If you’re looking to reduce your PSA levels, research suggests the following lifestyle changes:

• Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Plant-based foods are rich in nutrients that support your immune system. Red and pink foods, such as tomatoes, grapefruit, and watermelon, contain lycopene, which may help prevent cancer.
• Increase Your Vitamin D Intake: Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which boosts immunity. You can also get it from milk, cereal, orange juice, and supplements.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity, including weight lifting, might help lower PSA levels, but avoid strenuous exercise on the day of your test.

Know Your PSA Number and Keep an Eye on It
Just as a single point can change the outcome of a game, even a slight change in your PSA level can make a significant difference in your health. Schedule your first or follow-up PSA test soon, and share this information with your friends and loved ones—they’ll thank you for it.

If you still have questions about PSA, check out recent blogs for the latest screening guidelines, or learn more about Precision GU genetic testing. Ready to get tested? Schedule your PSA screening appointment today.