A Movember Primer on PSA Tests for Prostate Cancer

November 24, 2025

A black mid-adult nurse with a clipboard attends to an elderly black male at home, symbolizing professional healthcare and support with a comforting presence.

Thanks to the annual, global movement known as Movember, November is now a crucial time for men’s health awareness. Throughout the month, men grow mustaches to raise awareness and funds for critical men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. This makes November the perfect time to learn more about prostate health and the tools available for early detection of prostate cancer.

One commonly discussed screening option is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Understanding what it entails and the ongoing discussions surrounding its use can help you make informed decisions about your health.

What Is PSA Testing for Prostate Cancer?

PSA is a protein produced by your prostate gland. PSA tests for prostate cancer measure the amount of PSA in your blood. Healthy PSA levels vary for every man and age, but your health provider may suspect cancer if your PSA test result is 3.0 to 4.0 ng/mL or higher. PSA numbers less than 1 ng/mL generally indicate a low lifetime risk of prostate cancer. Higher PSA comes with a higher risk of prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.

If you have a close relative with prostate cancer early in life or are of African ancestry, you may want to begin PSA prostate cancer screening as early as age 40. This helps detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages. Otherwise, you may not need PSA testing until age 45. Between the ages of 55 and 69, talk with your health provider to weigh the benefits and harms of screening, diagnosis and treatment to determine if testing is needed. For men who are 70 and older, discontinuing routine prostate screening should be discussed with their physician.

When Testing Shows an Increase in PSA

Prostate cancer isn’t the only reason your PSA may increase. If your PSA test for prostate cancer has abnormal results, your health provider can rule out other conditions, such as:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
Inflammation in the prostate
Urinary tract infections

When other conditions aren’t present, your care team uses other exams to make a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer. Tests you may undergo include:

Biopsy. A urologist or other men’s health provider removes a small sample of prostate tissue. Laboratory experts then examine the sample for the presence of cancerous cells.
Digital rectal examination. Your provider inserts a gloved finger into your rectum and feels your prostate for abnormalities that may indicate cancer.
MRI. An imaging exam shows the inside of your prostate. Your team may use this test to determine if a biopsy is needed. If cancer is present, an MRI can show the extent of cancer and help with advanced treatment planning.

Ultimately, Movember serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of proactive men's health awareness. Getting screened for prostate cancer, understanding your risks and speaking with your doctor help you maintain long-term health and well-being, all year long.

Find a doctor at Weill Cornell Medicine and schedule your PSA test for prostate cancer.