False PSA Results Produced By A Common Product
Prostate screening today is essentially undertaken using a simple blood test looking for the presence of a specific prostate specific antigen (psa). By carrying out regular blood tests doctors can record the levels of psa over time and detect the possible presence of a developing prostate cancer by looking for a rise in PSA levels. It has been recently discovered however that a common everyday product is affecting psa results by lowering psa levels and thus nullifying the results of this screening test. This product is a commonly used hair loss treatment called Propecia which contains a drug known as Finasteride – a drug originally formulated to treat the problem of an enlarged prostate by targeting an enzyme which produces enlargement. It is important therefore that you tell your doctor if you are using Propecia so that this can be taken into account if you are undergoing prostate screening.
