Prostate Cancer Canada

About the Prostate

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In The News

Prostate Cancer Awareness Day at BC Legislative Assembly
VICTORIA, May 4, 2012- On Monday, May 7, Prostate Cancer Canada (PCC) will host their first Legislative Assembly Day to promote education and awareness of prostate cancer in British Columbia.

Media Advisory - Prostate Cancer Canada celebrates local Halifax hero
HALIFAX, April 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Please join Prostate Cancer Canada and members of the Halifax business community as we celebrate a local hero who has made an extraordinary contribution in the fight against prostate cancer through courage, inspiration and dedication.

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PSA

What is PSA?

PCC Position on PSA Testing

PCC's Early Detection Guidelines HERE (PDF)

** These guidelines were approved by the PCC SMAC and the Canadian Urologist Association Patient Information Committee.

PSA, or Prostate Specific Antigen, is a protein produced by the prostate that helps keep semen in liquid form. Typically, prostate cancer cells release more PSA than healthy prostate cells. This is why a PSA test can help indicate whether or not cancer activity is occurring in the prostate. Combining the
results of PSA blood testing with a DRE (digital rectal exam) increases both
the diagnostic power and the accuracy of these early detection methods.

What does an elevated PSA score mean?

High PSA readings do not mean that you have prostate cancer. Many factors can contribute to an abnormally high level of PSA in the blood. Other conditions of the prostate may account for elevated PSA levels. For example, if the prostate becomes inflamed (prostatitis), more PSA leaks into the bloodstream. Recent ejaculation, biopsy or some medications may also increase PSA levels. If a doctor has concerns about a PSA score, they will likely repeat the test, and a biopsy may be the next step.

What’s your PSA Number?

Without a PSA number, you and your doctor will not benefit from the ability to calculate your risk of prostate cancer. Ask your doctor to calculate your risk using available tools.

Prostate Cancer Canada advises men and their doctors take the time to discuss the merits of prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood testing followed by a digital rectal examination (DRE) for early detection of prostate cancer. PCC strongly recommends that men over 40 establish a baseline PSA value and men over 50 consider annual or semiannual PSA monitoring.

The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is a simple blood test that can help men and their doctors assess the risk of developing prostate cancer through early detection.

Educate yourself

Like most cancer diagnostic tools, the PSA blood test comes with its pros and cons; however, men deserve the right to make their own informed decisions regarding the state of their health – even if that decision is to forego or delay treatment. Informed decisions are impossible, however, without regular PSA blood tests and digital rectal examinations (DRE) to assess the likelihood of cancer. The usefulness of the PSA test has been debated in medical and political circles for some time. Men should be aware of the pros and cons and take into account age, risk factors and general health when deciding whether to take the test.

Provincial PSA Test Coverage

British Columbia	PSA test is not covered as a screening tool however; it is covered once a patient is diagnosed with prostate cancer
Alberta	PSA test is only covered as a screening tool if a doctor determines there are clinical signs of prostate cancer or if a patient is at high risk; the Ministry of Health does cover the test once a patient is diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Saskatchewan	PSA test is covered as a screening tool.
Manitoba	PSA test is covered as a screening tool.
Ontario	As part of their 2008 budget, the Ontario Government pledged to cover the cost of the PSA test for screening purposes. Specific details, such as how often the test will be covered and at what age coverage will begin are not available at this time.
Quebec	PSA test is not covered as a screening tool.
New Brunswick	PSA test is covered as a screening tool.
Nova Scotia	PSA test is covered as a screening tool.
Newfoundland	PSA test is covered as a screening tool.
Prince Edward Island	PSA test is covered as a screening tool.
North West Territories	PSA test is covered as a screening tool.
Yukon	PSA test is covered as a screening tool.
Nunavut	PSA test is covered as a screening tool.