PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland, and a PSA test measures the level of PSA in a mans blood. PSA levels fluctuate over time for many reasons, and there is no standard healthy range by age. However, doctors use age-specific PSA ranges to interpret PSA levels. Here are the normal PSA levels by age group:

• For men in their 40s and 50s: A PSA score greater than 2.5 ng/ml is considered abnormal. The median PSA for this age range is 0.6 to 0.7 ng/ml.

• For men in their 60s: A PSA score greater than 4.0 ng/ml is considered abnormal. The normal range is between 1.0 and 1.5 ng/ml.

• For men over 70: PSA testing may not be necessary unless they are very healthy with a life expectancy of 10 years or more.

Its important to note that a high PSA level doesn’t necessarily mean the presence of prostate cancer. Other factors can produce an elevated PSA level, including benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) conditions. If a man has an abnormal PSA level, his doctor may recommend further testing to investigate the cause.