
Does a High PSA Always Mean Cancer?
Q: I’m confused about the PSA screening. There’s been a lot of conflicting information in the news recently. Should I be getting a routine testing? And if my PSA levels are high, does it mean I have prostate cancer?
Pete K.
Dr. G: Listening to advice about whether or not to get a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a lot like watching a game of tennis. It keeps going back and forth.
Get it.
Don’t get it.
Get it.
Don’t get it.
When the “experts” keep changing their minds, it’s no wonder you (and most other men) would be confused.
For years, the PSA test was the end-all, be-all of prostate testing. Doctors pushed the test on their patients, and the patients dutifully listened.
Then a few years ago, this golden child of cancer screening fell out of favor.
It turned out that high PSA levels don’t necessarily indicate that a man has prostate cancer. And having normal levels doesn’t mean you DON’T have cancer!
The fact is, there are numerous factors that could cause PSA levels to be high that have nothing to do with prostate cancer. These include:
- Prostatitis, a condition caused by an inflamed prostate
- BPH, which is an enlarged prostate
- Certain medical procedures, like having a urinary catheter
- Urinary tract infections
- Strenuous exercise shortly before the PSA
- Ejaculation within 48 hours of the PSA
Despite this long list of potential causes of high PSA levels (that don’t include prostate cancer), most men who have a high reading will be compelled to get a biopsy.
That might seem innocent enough, but these procedures are incredibly invasive and can come with some pretty hefty complications, like bleeding, urinary retention, and life-threatening infections.
Making the matter even more complicated, men who DO have prostate cancer can live long, healthy lives following the “active surveillance” approach, while the surgery to remove the cancer can leave men incontinent, impotent, and in misery.
So what’s the answer?
I now recommend a new test called the 4Kscore Test. This test uses a unique algorithm that calculates a patient’s risk for aggressive prostate cancer—and that is, after all, what you really want to know.
The test is incredibly accurate, with fewer than 2 percent of significant cancers being missed, and ZERO more aggressive cancers being missed.
If you have a high PSA reading, talk to your doctor about the getting 4Kscore before making any decisions.
Want me to answer your question next? Email me at askdrg@naturalhealthresponse.com
To a brighter day,
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.

Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
SHED Pounds with This “Fatty” Health Food!
You know the old adage… an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Well, there’s another health food that you should be eating every day. Some mainstream docs might advise against it and claim it’s too high in fat. But it turns out this high-fat health food can actually help you lose weight—and boost your...
“Miracle Vitamin” Reduces Cancer Risk 38%
It’s no secret that vitamin D can help combat cancer. Studies even show that it can help prevent you from dying from this life-threatening illness. But even if you think you’re getting plenty of vitamin D, you could be doing something else that cancels out this key protective benefit. And unfortunately, this is the reality...
Slash Your Death Risk 65%!?
If the fountain of youth existed, we’d all be drinking from it. And if there was a pill that could help you live longer, we’d all be taking it. Well, I’ve got the next best thing. It’s a common supplement that many have been using for decades to aid with their joints. But now, it...
The Earliest Warning Sign of Dementia (Scary!)
The earlier you’re diagnosed with dementia, the better your outcome. Early intervention is your best bet at slowing the progression of the disease, which could help extend the quality of your life. Last week I told you about a newly discovered early warning sign of dementia (you can read about that here). Today, I’m going...
Pain-free COVID-19 Injection (AMAZING!)
As the COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out all across the US, millions of people have an important decision to make: To get the vaccine, or not to get the vaccine? Personally, I think that some people SHOULD get it, while others should AVOID it. (Read more about that here.) But if the fear of...
SLASH Your Risk of Diabetes in HALF!
We’re almost at the end of January. How are those New Year’s weight loss resolutions holding up? If you’re like most people… they’re already in the rearview mirror. That can be a big problem if you’re trying to lose weight to avoid type 2 diabetes. But you don’t have to lose 10, 20, or even...
Do you have THIS COVID-19 Risk?
When it comes to COVID-19, no one is immune. That’s why we ALL must take precautions to prevent getting or spreading infection. But some people are more vulnerable than others. And a recent study that combed through millions of people found that one particular group of people faces a significantly higher risk. Researchers evaluated the...
How to WIN the Cancer Battle (EASY!)
The medical community is still hard at work trying to win the war on cancer. But you can’t lose a battle you never start. In other words, the key to beating cancer is never getting it in the first place. The good news is, there are steps you can take to dramatically reduce your risk....
Household Danger Increases Diabetes Risk (Shocking!)
Modern comforts might be convenient… but they’re rarely healthy. The health risks of being too sedentary is the perfect example. Lack of activity increases your risk of obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes… and early death. But there’s another major risk that comes from sitting on your couch that has nothing to do with...
DISCOVERED: The Best Test for Alzheimer’s Disease!
When it comes to Alzheimer’s, prevention is best… but early detection is the next best thing. You see, even though there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, the earlier you begin treatment, the slower your disease will progress. Early treatment could mean more years of being yourself and maintaining your independence. Researchers have identified a new, better...