What is a PSA test and do I need one?

Sep 28, 2026

Key takeaways

The PSA test is a blood test and the primary screening tool for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer screening is a personal decision. Everyone with a prostate should talk with their health care provider about their risk factors and the pros and cons before deciding what’s right for them.
While many people need only a PSA test, additional screening tools may be used depending on personal risk and family history, helping providers build a clearer, more complete picture of prostate health.

This is your PSA on the PSA test.

If you’ve ever wondered what Prostatakrebs screening actually involves—or whether it’s something you should be thinking about—you’re not alone. The PSA test is one of the most common tools used to check for potential signs of prostate cancer, but you may have questions about who needs it, what the process looks like and what the results really mean.

We’re breaking it all down so you can feel more informed, confident and prepared to have a conversation with your health care provider about whether prostate cancer screening is right for you.

What is a PSA test?

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate that can provide clues about prostate health. The PSA test is a blood test and is the primary screening tool for prostate cancer.

Who needs a PSA test?

If you have a prostate, you may consider a PSA test. The prostate gland, located in below the bladder and in front of the rectum, is present in people assigned male at birth unless surgically removed.

When it comes to prostate cancer screening, there are benefits and risks. Not all prostate cancers require treatment, and treatment can also have risks and side effects. Because of this, the American Cancer Society recommends talking with your health care provider about the pros and cons of screening to decide what’s best for you. When you should start the conversation depends on a few factors:

If you have a strong family history, start the conversation at age 40. A strong family history means you have more than one close relative (parent, child or sibling) who had prostate cancer before age 65.
If you are Black OR have a family history, start the conversation at age 45. A family history means you have one close relative (parent, child or sibling) who had prostate cancer before age 65. If you are Black, you should discuss prostate cancer screening with your health care provider at this age regardless of whether you have any family history of prostate cancer. According to ZERO Prostate Cancer, prostate cancer rates are more than 70% higher in Black men than in white men for reasons that remain unclear.
If you’re at average risk, start the conversation at age 50.

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Having this conversation doesn’t necessarily mean you will need to get screened right away, but it’s part of shared decision-making, the process of working with your health care provider to determine the right path for you based on your personal risk factors, preferences and goals.

What is it like to get a PSA test?

Getting a PSA test is quick and straightforward—and for most people, it feels just like a routine blood draw. During the test, a health care provider will take a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm, usually in a doctor’s office or lab. There’s typically little to no preparation required, and the appointment itself often takes only a few minutes.

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The sample is then sent to a lab to measure the level of PSA in the blood.

Once your results come back, your health care provider will review your PSA level and what it may mean in the context of your age, personal and family history, and overall risk.

Getting a baseline PSA test can help establish what is normal for you. Tracking PSA levels over time can give your health care provider a clearer picture of any changes and help inform future screening decisions.
A “normal” or lower PSA level generally suggests there are no immediate concerns, though your health care provider may recommend routine monitoring over time.
A higher-than-expected PSA level could be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other, noncancerous conditions like an enlarged or inflamed prostate.

Elevated results signal that more information is needed, which could include repeat testing or additional screening. The PSA test is a starting point, helping you and your health care provider decide what—if any—next steps are right for you.

Does getting screened for prostate cancer mean getting a rectal exam?

Typically, no. The PSA test can be used alongside or followed by other methods to get a fuller picture of one’s prostate health. That could include a digital rectal exam (DRE), a physical examination of the prostate where the health care provider feels for any changes in the prostate that a blood test alone might not detect, or imaging. But it’s important to remember that a DRE isn’t usually part of routine screening and is not recommended as a primary screening test. For most people, screening would just be with the PSA blood test.

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Are there any other methods to screen for prostate cancer?

In addition to the PSA test and the uncommonly used DRE, there are also imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, which create detailed pictures of the prostate and can help identify areas that look suspicious or need further testing. In some cases, additional tests or imaging may be used to better assess risk or decide whether a biopsy is needed.

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Together, these tools allow health care providers to look beyond a single test result and make more informed decisions about next steps. Everyone’s screening journey will look different and could include one screening method or a combination of these options.

What are some ways to reduce the risk of prostate cancer?

There are ways to reduce your risk for prostate cancer through lifestyle-related risk modifications:

Avoid all forms of tobacco. Smoking or using tobacco in any way puts you at an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Know your family health history. Genetic testing may be an option for those who want more information about their prostate cancer risk.
Ein gesundes Gewicht beibehalten.

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Even if you are doing all of the above, if you have a prostate, you’re at risk for prostate cancer. That’s why it’s so important to talk with your health care provider about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening.

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The PSA test is a simple and effective way to screen for prostate cancer. While not for everybody, talking about prostate cancer screening with your health care provider will give you the best possible chance for better outcomes. To learn more about prostate cancer and the PSA test, visit preventcancer.org/prostate.