PSA levels differ according to both the age and race of the patient. Therefore, the predictive value of PSA in the diagnosis of prostate cancer may differ between African Americans and Caucasians. Black men, with or without prostate cancer, have been found to have higher PSA levels. Thus, physicians should have a lower threshold for referring African American men with a suspiciously high PSA level for further urologic evaluation and prostate biopsy.
The American Urological Association guidelines recommend that African American males should begin to undergo PSA screening for prostate cancer at age 40 years old; whereas the age for white men to begin screening for prostate cancer is age 55 unless they have a strong family history of prostate cancer.
The early detection of prostate cancer centers around careful interpretation of PSA. Close partnership between the primary care provider and the urologist will aid in the optimal utilization of PSA for the early detection of prostate cancer. In addition, one should remember that an elevated PSA does not necessarily mean the presence of prostate cancer, as there are other conditions of the prostate which can result in elevated PSA levels.
Why Every Black Man Needs A Urologist was originally published on blackdoctor.org
