PSA (prostate specific antigen) test
About the test. The PSA test looks for blood levels of a protein produced by prostate cells called prostate specific antigen. High PSA levels may be a sign of prostate cancer, although levels may also be elevated in those with infections, inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate (BPH). PSA levels below 4 nanograms per millilitre of blood (ng/ml) are considered normal. A PSA score of 4 to 10 is considered borderline, which levels above 10 are classified as high. Levels of PSA rise normally with age so your results should always be assessed with this reference.
How is it done? PSA levels are determined from a blood test, which can be taken during a routine surgery visit or be specifically arranged. If PSA levels are high, your doctor will take a small tissue sample (biopsy) of the prostate, which is then sent to a laboratory to be analysed for signs of prostate cancer.
How often is it needed? In Australia, regular PSA, testing is not recommended as a screening test because it is often unreliable and can lead to unnecessary and expensive biopsies and follow-ups. The Urological Society of Australasia, however, recommends annaul PSA testing for all men from age 50.
You'll need this test more often if..
About the test. Many infectious agents can cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS, has become a worldwide epidemic in recent years. Other common STDs include chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhoea, syphills, public lice, hepatitis and herpes simplex. The best way to find out if you or your partner is infected is to get tested. Signs of an STD include discharge from the vagina or penis, itching in the genital or anal areas, pain, soreness, swelling around the genitals, rashes or sores on the genitals or elsewhere on the body, odours in the genital region, or fever and fatigue. STD tests are designed to identify the infecting organism so that antibiotics, antiviral drugs or other appropriate treatments can be prescribed.
How is it done? The type of STD test best for you depends on the type of infection you have. Your doctor may be able to diagnose a condition based on your symptoms. A sample of fluids or cells from the urethera, cervix, throat or rectum may be taken and sent to a laboratory for culture and analysis. Some STDs, such as AIDS or hepatitis, can be identified by a blood test. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia may be diagnosed by culturing unusual discharges or by a urine test. Public lice or their tiny white eggs (nits) may be visible on public hair.
How often is it needed? If you are sexually active with multiple partners, it is a good idea to have an annual sexual health combination. However, if you and your partner are monogamous and free of sexually transmitted diseases, no additional testing is needed.
You'll need this test more often if...
About the examination. Regular examination of your skin is the best way to detect changes that may be cancerous. Even in the case of malignant melanoma, the most aggressive and potentially deadly form of skin cancer, it is completely curable if caught at an early stage.
How is it done? Stand in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room and slowly inspect the entire surface of your skin. Don't forget the soles of your feet, between your toes, under your nails and the whites of your eyes. A hand-held mirror (or the help of a friend) may be useful for examining hard-to-see spots such as the top of your scalp, the back of your neck and your buttocks. It is important to become familiar with any existing moles or freckles and to monitor them closely for any changes. It is also important to check for any new spots. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor.
How often is it needed? Most people should perform a skin self-examination every 12 months.
Do the examination monthly if...
While most of your 'suspicious' moles will turn out to be noncancerous, it's better to be cautious. If a mole or growth anywhere on your body has one or more of the following signs, show it to a skin doctor (dermatologist) as soon as possible; it could indicate a malignant melanoma.
key signs to look for
Use this alphabet mnemonic device to help you remember the early warning signs:
In addition to the key signs, be aware of any change in the surface texture of a mole, especially scaliness, erosion, oozing, crusting, ulceration or bleeding. Also be sure to keep an eye on changes in the surrounding skin, especially redness and swelling or changes in sensation, such as ithcing, tenderness or pain.
About the test. The PSA test looks for blood levels of a protein produced by prostate cells called prostate specific antigen. High PSA levels may be a sign of prostate cancer, although levels may also be elevated in those with infections, inflammation or benign enlargement of the prostate (BPH). PSA levels below 4 nanograms per millilitre of blood (ng/ml) are considered normal. A PSA score of 4 to 10 is considered borderline, which levels above 10 are classified as high. Levels of PSA rise normally with age so your results should always be assessed with this reference.
How is it done? PSA levels are determined from a blood test, which can be taken during a routine surgery visit or be specifically arranged. If PSA levels are high, your doctor will take a small tissue sample (biopsy) of the prostate, which is then sent to a laboratory to be analysed for signs of prostate cancer.
How often is it needed? In Australia, regular PSA, testing is not recommended as a screening test because it is often unreliable and can lead to unnecessary and expensive biopsies and follow-ups. The Urological Society of Australasia, however, recommends annaul PSA testing for all men from age 50.
You'll need this test more often if..
- You currently have prostate cancer. (Frequent PSA tests helps gauge response to treatment.)
- You have a family history of prostate cancer. (PSA testing may be needed before age 50, and can be done more often at doctor's discretion.)
- You have prostate problems. (PSA testing may begin before age 50, and more often at your doctor's discretion.)
About the test. Many infectious agents can cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS, has become a worldwide epidemic in recent years. Other common STDs include chlamydia, genital warts, gonorrhoea, syphills, public lice, hepatitis and herpes simplex. The best way to find out if you or your partner is infected is to get tested. Signs of an STD include discharge from the vagina or penis, itching in the genital or anal areas, pain, soreness, swelling around the genitals, rashes or sores on the genitals or elsewhere on the body, odours in the genital region, or fever and fatigue. STD tests are designed to identify the infecting organism so that antibiotics, antiviral drugs or other appropriate treatments can be prescribed.
How is it done? The type of STD test best for you depends on the type of infection you have. Your doctor may be able to diagnose a condition based on your symptoms. A sample of fluids or cells from the urethera, cervix, throat or rectum may be taken and sent to a laboratory for culture and analysis. Some STDs, such as AIDS or hepatitis, can be identified by a blood test. Gonorrhoea and chlamydia may be diagnosed by culturing unusual discharges or by a urine test. Public lice or their tiny white eggs (nits) may be visible on public hair.
How often is it needed? If you are sexually active with multiple partners, it is a good idea to have an annual sexual health combination. However, if you and your partner are monogamous and free of sexually transmitted diseases, no additional testing is needed.
You'll need this test more often if...
- You are intimate with someone with a known sexually transmitted disease. (Every three or four months or at your doctor's discretion.)
About the examination. Regular examination of your skin is the best way to detect changes that may be cancerous. Even in the case of malignant melanoma, the most aggressive and potentially deadly form of skin cancer, it is completely curable if caught at an early stage.
How is it done? Stand in front of a full-length mirror in a well-lit room and slowly inspect the entire surface of your skin. Don't forget the soles of your feet, between your toes, under your nails and the whites of your eyes. A hand-held mirror (or the help of a friend) may be useful for examining hard-to-see spots such as the top of your scalp, the back of your neck and your buttocks. It is important to become familiar with any existing moles or freckles and to monitor them closely for any changes. It is also important to check for any new spots. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor.
How often is it needed? Most people should perform a skin self-examination every 12 months.
Do the examination monthly if...
- You have light skin.
- You have blonde or red hair.
- You have blue or green eyes.
- You have a family history of skin cancer.
- You've had a severe, blistering sunburn as a child or teenager.
- You have had skin cancer (at least annually or more often at your doctor's discretion.)
- Note: some women experience mole changes during pregnancy. If you had skin cancer and are pregnant, be sure to mention your pregnancy to your dermatologist.
While most of your 'suspicious' moles will turn out to be noncancerous, it's better to be cautious. If a mole or growth anywhere on your body has one or more of the following signs, show it to a skin doctor (dermatologist) as soon as possible; it could indicate a malignant melanoma.
key signs to look for
Use this alphabet mnemonic device to help you remember the early warning signs:
- Asymmetry: one half of the mole does not match the other. Look for any raised or flat patches or bumps that are different on one side of the mole than the other.
- Borders: irregular, jagged, notched, scalloped or blurred borders.
- Colour: variation of colour within a mole. Look for very dark spots or spots of different colorus, including shades of brown, black, red, white or blue.
- Diameter: any skin lesion that is wider than a pencil eraser (6mm).
- Elevation: if a mole changes in height, especially if it's a sudden elevation of a previously flat mole.
In addition to the key signs, be aware of any change in the surface texture of a mole, especially scaliness, erosion, oozing, crusting, ulceration or bleeding. Also be sure to keep an eye on changes in the surrounding skin, especially redness and swelling or changes in sensation, such as ithcing, tenderness or pain.
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