Interpreting Prostate Screening Results

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KNOW YOUR SCORE! Tracking your PSA velocity (absolute numeric change over a period of 12 months) is very important as a rising PSA appears to be one of the best indicators of potential prostate trouble.

If you are referred to a Urologist, be sure to bring along the PCCNC referral discussion guide (50KB PDF).

Abnormal results do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. Only a biopsy can diagnose prostate cancer. Abnormal screening results can also indicate several other benign (non-cancerous) but treatable conditions and should be addressed in order to improve long-term prostate health.

You will likely be referred to a Urologist if:

You have an abnormal DRE, regardless of PSA results.
Your PSA is outside of the age and race adjusted range indicated on the chart below.
If your average annual PSA value is ≤2.5 ng/mL, and your velocity is >0.35 ng/mL/y.
If your PSA velocity is >0.75 ng/mL/y.

The following age adjusted chart reflects appropriate PSA readings from the American Urological Association (AUA) Best Practice Policy on PSA Testing.
age

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Prostate Cancer Coalition of North Carolina (PCCNC)
5905 Shamrock Road
Research Triangle Park, NC 27713
919.321.0365
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