In Alberta one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. When detected early, it is also one of the most successfully treated types of cancer. The staff and volunteers at the Prostate Cancer Centre understand that educating men about the importance of early detection of prostate cancer first needs to happen in the community. We work hard to ensure that all men have the opportunity to receive information, education and PSA testing in convenient locations.
Baseline PSA testing should begin at age 40
What is a PSA test?
The PSA test is a simple blood test that may help in the early detection of prostate cancer.
What is PSA?
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), is a substance produced by the prostate and released in small amounts to the bloodstream.
Where can you have a PSA test?
You can have your PSA test:
-at a local health services laboratory if ordered by your doctor -
-In the Prostate Cancer Centre MAN VAN (one free baseline test)
(Click on the MAN VAN TRACKER ICON for the next public clinic)
What is the THE MAN VAN™ ?
The MAN VAN is a mobile unit operated by the Prostate Cancer Centre. Its purpose is to increase awareness of the importance
of early detection of prostate cancer. On scheduled dates it offers on-the-spot baseline PSA testing at a variety of locations.
Types of THE MAN VAN™ Clinics -
Public Clinics - anyone over the age of 40 who hasn't had a baseline PSA test can attend. These clinics
are held at a public venue, sporting event or retail outlet - they are listed on the MAN VAN TRACKER on the right side
of each of our web pages.
Private Clinics -Employers can have the THE MAN VAN™ come right to their front door and test their employees on-site.
For more information on this service please call (403)943-8869.
Is it safe to have a PSA test?
Yes. A registered nurse or phlebotomist will draw a blood sample and all equipment is sterile. The possible
side effects are the same as any simple blood test: light-headedness, minor pain, bruising, bleeding, or infection
at the site of the needle puncture.
If my results are higher than normal do I have cancer?
High results DO NOT mean you have cancer. If your test score is high you will be given a requisition for a repeat PSA
test at a local laboratory. Your physician may recommend a DRE (digital rectal exam) If warranted, you may be referred
to a Urologist who may arrange for a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to conclusively identify prostate cancer.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Men should have a baseline PSA test at age 40. If results are normal the test should be repeated at least
every five years until age 50. Men over 50 should have a PSA test every year.
The Prostate Cancer Centre recommends both DRE and PSA screening.
Does the PSA test really make a difference?
2011 results from a major European study will be released this year clearly showing that PSA testing saves lives.
Do you need a physician?
Physicians accepting new patients