Scoring Against Prostate Cancer: Why Less Than a Point May Matter

In Cincinnati Reds baseball, one point can determine a game. When it comes to prostate cancer, slightly less than a point in a year could push your chances of getting the cancer into the red. 

You can help prevent this by covering first base – that is, your baseline prostate-specific antigen (PSA) reading. This reading, determined by a blood test, measures the amount of antigens your prostate cells normally make, an amount that is unique to you.

The Urology Group has launched a special public awareness campaign this month emphasize to men that if their PSA level increases by more than 0.75 points in one year, it could be prostate cancer. 

PSA Baseline 

If you’re younger than 50, you might think it’s too soon to need even a baseline PSA screening, but consider this: 37% of prostate cancer cases occur in men between the ages of 45 and 64, the Centers for Disease Control reported in May 2024. So maybe it’s not too soon.

In fact, researchers advise every man to schedule his first prostate cancer screening as young as 40 or 45, depending on these risk factors:

• Your race – African American men are more likely than men of any other race to develop prostate cancer and at a younger age. The disease is more than twice as likely to be fatal among African American men.
• Your father and brothers – If an immediate family member is diagnosed with prostate cancer, you have a higher risk of the disease.
• Your lifestyle habits – Smoking, obesity, and a diet rich in fatty foods all encourage abnormal cell development that can lead to cancer. 
• Genetics – Did you know that many cancers are hereditary, and your genetic code is the key to unlocking your risk? Genetic testing can give you valuable information for your risk and that of family members. Learn more about our Genetic Testing here. 

Now is an especially opportune time to schedule a PSA test for you or a loved one and encourage others to do the same: September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Rounding the PSA Bases: Why Slightly Less Than a Point Matters 

Your antigen levels serve as a marker, or red flag, that something potentially harmful is lurking in your body. Toxic antigens can enter you from outside the body, but your cells – including prostate cells – make antigens as well. The volume of antigens produced by healthy prostate cells represent your PSA baseline. 

However, cancerous cells make antigens, too. When these cells divide and spread uncontrollably, antigen levels accelerate, raising your baseline. Similarly, an enlarged prostate can raise PSA levels.

A PSA test detects these elevations, so the earlier you get screened, the more likely you will establish an accurate baseline. 

What’s the Playbook On a Healthy Baseline?

Here’s the thing: Unlike a batting average, there is no “average” PSA baseline. A man with a PSA reading of less than 4 (once considered normal), might actually have cancer, while his buddy with a 9 does not. 

What matters is if your PSA baseline rises. If it climbs by more than 0.75 in one year, it could signal cancer cell growth.

Timing your test is important, because other factors can sway your PSA reading, as well. These include an infection or inflammation – even ejaculation or vigorous exercise, such as bicycling, can cause PSA levels to bump up for a day or two.

Game to Reduce Your PSA? Here are Some Home Remedies

Regardless of your PSA level, a lower reading is generally considered better. If you want to reduce your number, research suggests the following lifestyle modification could help.

Eat your fruits and veggies – Plant-based foods are rich in nutrients that benefit your immune system. Red and pink foods – tomatoes, grapefruit, watermelon – contain lycopene, which might help prevent cancer. 

Get more vitamin D – Sunlight is a natural source of this immunity-boosting vitamin. You also can find it in milk, cereal, orange juice, and supplements. 

Hit the gym, or the road – Physical exercise, including weight-lifting, might lower PSA levels, but avoid intense workouts on the day of your test.

What’s your PSA Number? Know it. Watch it.

In the game of life, just like baseball, one point (or less) can make a big difference. Schedule your first (or follow-up) PSA test sooner than later; then share what you’ve learned here with your friends and loved ones. They’ll likely become big fans.

Still have PSA questions? Read our recent blog that lists the latest guidelines on PSA screening, or read about our Precision GU genetic testing. If you’re ready to get tested, schedule your PSA screening appointment here.