Does having a higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level mean a worse prostate cancer prognosis?

Yes. In general, a higher PSA level means a poorer prostate cancer prognosis.

PSA is a protein made by cells in the prostate. When cancer cells form in the prostate, they tend to make a lot of PSA. Having prostate cancer often causes high levels of PSA in the blood.

When you're diagnosed with prostate cancer, your PSA level gives your health care provider important information. Your PSA level helps your provider decide how likely it is that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. It also helps your provider decide how likely it is that your cancer will be cured with treatment. Other clues about your prognosis come from your cancer's stage, grade and Gleason score.

If you have prostate cancer and you're worried about your prognosis, talk with your provider.

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Aug. 06, 2025 See more Expert Answers

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  8. Cancer blood tests
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  15. Choline C-11 PET scan
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  20. External beam radiation for prostate cancer
  21. Frequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?
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  29. Prostate biopsy
  30. Prostate cancer
  31. Prostate cancer FAQs
  32. Prostate cancer prevention
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  34. Prostatectomy (prostate removal surgery)
  35. Proton beam therapy
  36. Proton therapy
  37. Proton therapy for prostate cancer
  38. PSA test
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  40. Radiation for prostate cancer
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  44. Robotic prostatectomy
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