My PSA is high. Does that mean prostate cancer?
A high PSA is not a cancer diagnosis. I worry about cancer, too. Being a doctor would not make an abnormal result on my own report feel casual. If my PSA came back high, I could imagine my mind getting ahead of the evidence.
An enlarged prostate or inflammation can raise PSA, too. Here is what I would actually do:
First, gather earlier PSA reports and put the dates beside the numbers.
Next, write down recent urinary symptoms, infections and medicines.
Then, agree with my doctor on the next step: when to repeat the test, whether I need a urologist, and who will explain the result.
I would not diagnose myself from one number, or file it away because it might be nothing. For me, reassurance would mean knowing how we are going to find out, with someone alongside me.