The Role of Prostate-specific Antigen Test in Early Detection of Prostate Cancer
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Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is among the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in men globally, with early detection playing a critical role in improving prognosis and guiding treatment strategies. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is widely used for PCa screening; however, its utility varies across populations. This study aimed to evaluate the role of the PSA test in the early detection of prostate cancer in a Bangladeshi cohort. Methods: This cross- sectional observational study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbag, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July 2022 to June 2023. A total of 57 male patients who underwent PSA testing during the study period were included. Clinical records were reviewed to collect demographic and PSA data. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 26.0 and MS Office tools, focusing on descriptive statistics and the relationship between PSA levels and prostate cancer detection. Results: This study evaluated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing for early prostate cancer detection in 57 men aged 50 and above. Biopsy-confirmed malignancy was observed in 80% of participants with elevated PSA levels (>10 ng/mL), 13.3% with borderline levels (4–10 ng/mL), and none with normal levels (<4 ng/mL). A positive family history significantly increased risk, with 71.4% of such cases diagnosed with cancer, highlighting PSA’s role in early intervention. Conclusion: The study highlights the PSA test as a valuable tool for early detection of prostate cancer in the Bangladeshi population, emphasizing its role in improving patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and optimize screening protocols in this population.