Screening of Prostate Cancer by Prostate Specific Antigen and its Prevalence in Jammu Region

Abstract

Introduction: Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer in men. Prostate specific antigen is the biomarker used for screening of prostate cancer and prostate related problems. Not only the genetic factors are involved, dietary factors and environmental factors are also responsible for the development of prostate cancer. Risk factors like family history, age, chemical exposure, infection and smoking are at the peak point for the development of prostatic disease. Advanced age is one of the main risk factor. Most commonly prostate abnormalities are seen among male patients of 50 years and above. Early screening using PSA reduces the incidence rate of prostate cancer. Aim: Aim of our study is to use PSA as biomarker to screen male population for prostate related problems, to compare its levels in smokers and non smokers and to detect the prevalence of prostate cancer in Jammu region. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in department of Biochemistry, Super speciality hospital, Government Medical College Jammu. 3 ml blood sample was collected from antecubital vein under aseptic precautions in a plain vacutainer and incubated at room temperature; serum was separated by centrifuge machine at 2000 rpm for 5 minutes. The samples were analyzed by Abott Architect Auto analyser using Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoaasay (CMIA). A total 150 males of age 50 years and above who had prostate related problems were screened using PSA as biomarker. Results: Our study showed that the mean PSA levels in normal persons were 2.59 ng/dl whereas in patients with BPH the mean levels were comparatively high i.e. 6.89 ng/ dl and were very high in patients with prostate cancer i.e. 21.18 ng/dl. Similarly, the mean levels of PSA in smokers were comparatively high (12.13 ng/dl) as compared to nonsmokers (10.18ng/dl) Prevalence of prostate cancer cases in Jammu district was estimated to be 15% per year. Conclusion: Screening of men for prostatic problems by using PSA is helpful in early detection of prostate cancer. There is a significant association between smoking and PSA levels.

Keywords

• benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph)
• chemiluminiscent microparticle immunoassay (cmia)
• digital rectal examination (dre).