Accra: Dr Patience Naa Adaku Bortie, Head of Laboratory Services at the GPHA Clinic, has cautioned men against interpreting an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) result as automatic confirmation of prostate cancer.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Bortie stated that an elevated PSA level could result from other conditions, including infection or inflammation of the prostate, necessitating a clinical assessment before a diagnosis could be made. She conveyed this during a media discussion on prostate cancer organized by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA).
Dr Bortie elaborated on the laboratory's vital role in prostate cancer screening, explaining that they collect blood samples and measure PSA levels to provide crucial information for clinicians managing patient care. These screening results, she noted, also generate data that helps health professionals identify higher-risk groups and design targeted interventions.
She emphasized that a high PSA reading alone does not confirm prostate cancer, as other factors like infection, inflammation, and even activities such as ejaculation and exercise can affect PSA levels. Dr Bortie advised individuals with abnormal results to consult clinicians who would review their medical history and decide if further investigations were necessary.
Dr Bortie recommended that men track their PSA levels over time, using an initial test as a baseline for evaluating subsequent results. She mentioned that while a general PSA reference range of 0 to 4 is often discussed, clinicians consider age-specific reference ranges and changes in individual readings over time.
She encouraged men not to avoid screening due to fear of abnormal results, highlighting that knowing one's status enables appropriate actions. Ms Juliana Kpodo, nurse manager at the GPHA Clinic, urged men to prioritize routine health screenings rather than delaying medical attention until severe illness occurs.
Ms Kpodo pointed out that fear of the unknown, perceptions of hospital visits as a waste of time, and the belief in personal resilience contribute to delays in seeking healthcare. She noted that this reluctance is not unique to men, as some people avoid health facilities when feeling healthy.
"Screening is not for the sick, but screening is to help you stay stronger," she emphasized. Ms Kpodo observed that some men, even when experiencing health challenges, prefer to manage conditions alone without professional help, often leading to late reporting to health facilities when conditions become serious.
She encouraged the public to view routine health checks as preventive measures rather than actions taken only when symptoms appear. The nurse manager stated that raising awareness about the importance of screening could help dispel misconceptions and promote greater health responsibility.