I am 41 years old and have been on finasteride 1.25 mg daily for 10 years. My father had prostate cancer in his late 60s and I wish to get the PSA antigen test but hear the finasteride drug obscures the results. How is it evaluated the PSA score when on this drug?
Thanks
For those unaware, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the enzyme levels of the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can point to prostate cancer. The results of a PSA test for men taking Propecia can result in a decreased level of PSA. At 41 years old, prostate cancer is very rare, but getting a good baseline while you are on Propecia is a good idea as any increase in the years to come might well be an indicator for prostate cancer.
If you’re thinking about having a prostate cancer screening done, you should tell your doctor that you’re on finasteride so that they can double your PSA score.