The Peter Attia Drive Qualy #53 - Screening for prostate cancer
Nov 5, 2019
Ted Schaeffer, M.D., Ph.D., a leading expert in prostate cancer, returns to discuss crucial topics around screening. He breaks down the complexities of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and their implications for health, using vivid analogies for clarity. The conversation also highlights cutting-edge tests like the 4K score and Prostate Health Index (PHI), which improve risk assessment and diagnostics. Schaeffer emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between aggressive and non-aggressive prostate cancers to enhance patient outcomes.
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PSA Basics
- PSA, a protein made by the prostate, liquefies semen.
- It's highly expressed in the prostate and not cancer-specific.
PSA as a Screening Tool
- PSA levels in the blood are used to screen for prostate cancer.
- PSA can leak into the bloodstream, especially as the prostate enlarges with age.
Factors Affecting PSA
- PSA is prostate-specific, not cancer-specific, and correlates with prostate size.
- Infections or cancer can also elevate PSA levels.