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| The PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test is a blood test used to help detect the presence of prostate cancer. |
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| Combined with examination of the prostate gland, the PSA blood test is the accepted first line method of investigating men for the presence of prostate cancer. Indeed, in some countries PSA measurement is a vital component of a prostate cancer screening programme. |
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It is by no means an exact test; that is to say that readings higher than the accepted ‘normal’ ranges do not always mean a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
In fact, there are other situations where the PSA is seen to rise in the absence of prostate cancer; these include the presence of a urinary infection, following surgery and even following ejaculation.
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