Accurate Use of Prostate-Specific Antigen in Determining Risk of Prostate Cancer
Abstract
Measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in serum is used as a screening tool for prostate cancer. As more research results on improving the specificity and sensitivity of PSA testing become available, primary care providers will be provided with other methods to indicate when a urology referral is needed. The belief that the normal range is 0 to 4 ng/mL has not been supported by research. Multiple factors such as age, medication, and inflammatory processes can affect PSA level. Risk factors increase the patient's probability of developing prostate cancer. With no standard screening recommendations for prostate cancer, the provider has a greater responsibility to interpret results properly. Implications for practice are discussed.
Keywords: Prostate , prostate cancer , PSA , screening
This continuing education activity is designed to augment the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of nurses and nurse practitioners and thus increase the quality of their care.In compliance with national ethical guidelines, the author, reviewers, and editors report no relationships with business or industry that would pose a conflict of interest. The authors do not present any off-label or non-FDA-approved recommendations for treatment. There is no implied endorsement by NPA, MNA, or ANCC of any commercial products mentioned in the article.
PII: S1555-4155(10)00002-4
doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2009.11.012
© 2010 American College of Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.