Prostate Cancer

One of the most common questions I hear when I tell other men about my prostate cancer diagnosis is, “How did you find out?” It’s often followed by another question: “Did you catch it early enough?”

My answer starts with routine bloodwork. A change in my PSA level did not prove that I had cancer, but it prompted the follow-up appointments and tests that eventually led to my diagnosis. We’ll get into what those tests are and my experience with them later in my diagnosis.

Because my dad was diagnosed with and survived prostate cancer more than 25 years ago, I have discussed my family history with my doctors (both general and urologist) and tracked my PSA since I turned 40. Maintaining that routine may have saved my life.

What a PSA test can and cannot tell you

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by cells in the prostate. A PSA test measures the level of that protein in the blood. Doctors may use it to screen for prostate cancer, investigate prostate-related symptoms, or monitor someone who has already been diagnosed.

The most important thing I learned is that PSA is not a yes-or-no cancer test. There is no single result that proves or rules out prostate cancer. A higher or changing PSA can be a reason to investigate further, but benign prostate enlargement (BPE), inflammation, infection, certain medications, vigorous exercise, and recent ejaculation can also affect the result. The National Cancer Institute’s PSA guide offers a helpful explanation of what the test can and cannot show.

For me, the value came from knowing my family history, talking openly with my doctor, and watching for changes over time. Screening decisions are personal and should account for your age, health, family history, risk factors, and preferences.

What you’ll find in this series

This series is for anyone facing an unexpected PSA result, waiting for answers, weighing treatment options, supporting someone with prostate cancer, or simply trying to understand what the experience can involve.

I’ll share what happened to me, what I learned, and what I wish I had understood earlier—from diagnosis and treatment decisions through recovery and life after treatment. My goal is not to tell anyone what choice to make. It is to offer the practical context and honest perspective I wanted when my own journey began.

Start here: How I was diagnosed with prostate cancer

A note about medical information: This is my personal experience, not medical advice. Prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment decisions are individual. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about what is appropriate for you.