PSA test can help in early detection of prostate cancer

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The death of OJ Simpson from prostate cancer has men’s health specialists reminding everyone of the importance of early detection. A common blood test can help determine risk.

A PSA is a blood test, which stands for prostate specific antigen. It detects a protein made by the prostate, which is a gland in the male reproductive system. A high PSA level may be an indicator that prostate cancer is present in the body.

Dr. Brooke Edwards said the PSA is sometimes part of routine screening tests at the doctor’s office, but not always.

“Unfortunately, over the last ten years or so, we’ve seen that it’s not necessarily commonplace or done routinely with family doctors. Some PCPs and internists are choosing not to do PSA testing every year, and sometimes the patient doesn’t realize that. They don’t realize that it’s not been done,” said Dr. Edwards, chief medical officer of The Urology Group.

However, she said it’s a critical test to find prostate cancer early and to monitor it, in those such as Steve Abbott. He’s a 10-year prostate cancer survivor.

He turned to a newer medication when chemotherapy no longer seemed to be working. It’s called Pluvicto.

“I was told after my 3rd treatment, this is not, I mean you're going to need to look at the next thing, and soon,” Abbott said.

This newer medication is now widely available and targets PSMA, which did help bring down his PSA number.

“PSMA is a chemical on the surface of over 90 percent of cancer cells, so this becomes sort of like a smart bomb,” said Dr. Gary Kirsh, a urologist at The Urology Group.

Abbott’s message now to others is to be their own advocate for getting PSA testing.

“I’m often seeing my patients yearly, and they think that their family doctor has done it, but they just don’t quite understand that that was not included in their cholesterol screening and your regular blood testing. So, it’s important for patients to understand that they need to realize and go through what the doctor is ordering and having that conversation and asking about prostate cancer or PSA testing,” Dr. Edwards said.