There is a lot of uncertainty about the PSA test and many unanswered questions about how helpful the test is in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. A PSA test can’t tell you whether or not you have prostate cancer, but it is useful at indicating whether you need further investigation.

The PSA test can help in the diagnosis of very early prostate cancer, before any symptoms develop, but there are questions about whether treatment is necessary for early prostate cancer. Many prostate cancers grow very slowly, and for some men the side effects of treatment may be worse than the effects of the cancer itself, so it can be difficult to decide whether or not to have treatment.

People deal with this uncertainty in different ways. Some men want to have tests for early prostate cancer and treat it if it occurs. Others don’t want to know if they have an early prostate cancer because they think that, on balance, having that information would do them more harm than good. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to having a PSA test. With the help of your doctor, and this information, you can make the right decision for you.