Use of the Home PSA Test is a safe and effective
aid in the detection of prostate disease such as prostate
cancer in men. The PSA Test is a self-collected blood
test that measures a substance produced by the prostate
gland called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Certain
conditions of the prostate may raise the level of
PSA in the blood. Although high levels of PSA are
not harmful, they are an important signal of possible
prostate disease.
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive
system. It is about the size of a walnut and is located
in front of the rectum and just below the bladder.
The prostate gland produces the liquid part of semen,
which transports sperm. Prostate cancer is the second
most common cancer found in men in the United States.
It occurs in about 1 out of 10 men during their lifetime.
Prostate cancer is more common in older men and is
the second leading cause of cancer death in American
men.
Virtually painless, the home PSA Test uses a couple
of drops of blood taken from a nick of a finger and
deposited onto a special collection card. The card
is sent to the PSA Test lab and analyzed. The results
are then mailed to you with an easy-to-read, understandable
report. Both PSA test approval and professional review
of test results are required by a licensed physician.
This comes as part of the services provided by the
PSA Test laboratory.
Since the risk for prostate cancer increases with
age, it is recommended that you have a PSA test performed
annually once you reach 50. Men in high-risk groups,
such as African Americans and those with blood relatives
who have had prostate cancer, should begin testing
at age 40 and consult with their health care professional
for advice on more frequent testing.
