The PSA count is a measure taken by doctors from a man’s blood, to determine the levels of a certain protein that is made in the male body when the prostate gland is under attack - AKA prostate cancer.  This count is and has been used frequently, in the past as a predictor of prostate cancer and a screening test to make sure a guy does not have the fairly common male cancer, especially as he gets older, when prostate cancer risk is at its highest.

The PSA is a shortened version of the Prostate Specific antigen, and when the blood shows higher levels of this antigen, doctors know to probe further to see if prostate cancer is the culprit for the elevated levels of the blood protein.

This latest study in the field of prostate cancer, showed a statistical relationship between the likelihood of mortality in men with prostate cancer by what’s knows as the prostate velocity, or the rate at which the PSA count rises, and the men who lived had a lower “velocity” than the men that ended up dying from the disease.

Doctors usually suggest that men start to get PSA screenings when they are in their 40’s, which is when problems may start to happen with this tiny gland.  Difficulties in urination are one of the most common side effects that you may want to check out if you think you have an enlarged prostate.

There are supplements for prostate health which also may help to prolong the health and well being of the prostate gland in men, well into later ages when the prostate gland’s health can be compromised.  There are also dietary guidelines for prostate health and other lifestyle changes you can make to ensure you live with a healthy prostate, in our men’s health section.