Learn about the Wide Variation in Risk Calculator Results for a High PSA
A high PSA test level suggests a somewhat increased probability of prostate cancer.
However, for any high PSA level the risk calculators and 4Kscore produce very wide ranges of cancer risks. For a high PSA of 6.0, we show below how cancer risk varies greatly based on possible results of informative screening actions. First for 4Kscore, then PCPT Risk Calculator, then ERSPC Risk Calculator. The percentage values are the probability of high grade cancer for 4Kscore and the PCPT Risk Calculator and significant cancer for the ERSPC Risk Calculator. Significant cancer mainly reflects high grade cancer and includes large low grade cancer. |
4Kscore Percentage Risk of High Grade Cancer Estimates for High PSA
4Kscore acts like a risk calculator that considers a panel of four PSA related blood tests, age, DRE and previous biopsy.
Percentage risk of high grade cancer based on 4Kscore values are shown below:
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2.5% 4Kscore:
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5% 4Kscore:
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10% 4Kscore:
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20% 4Kscore:
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30% 4Kscore:
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40% 4Kscore:
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NOTE: If your 4Kscore is elevated, consider a follow-up 4Kscore for the same reasons to follow-up an elevated PSA.
PSA and 4Kscore can be increased by a temporary condition (infection or inflammation) that may moderate at follow-up.
PSA and 4Kscore can be increased by a temporary condition (infection or inflammation) that may moderate at follow-up.
PCPT Risk Calculator Percentage Risk of High Grade Cancer Estimates for High PSA 6.0
Percentage risk of high grade cancer based on PCPT-RC variables are shown below for age 64 at elevated PSA 6.0 for Caucasian and other race men and for African American men:
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NOTE: If your Free PSA % is low, consider a follow-up Free PSA for the same reasons to follow-up an elevated PSA.
Free PSA % can be decreased by a temporary condition (infection) that may moderate at follow-up.
Free PSA % can be decreased by a temporary condition (infection) that may moderate at follow-up.
Caucasian, Hispanic and Other Race Men
Free PSA%20% - 6%
15% - 9% 10% - 19% |
DRENone - 8%
Norm - 8% Abnorm - 12% |
Fam HistoryNo - 8%
Yes - 9% |
PSA5 - 7%
6 - 8% 7 - 9% |
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African American Men
Free PSA%20% - 14%
15% - 22% 10% - 39% |
DRENone - 19%
Norm - 19% Abnorm - 27% |
Fam HistoryNo - 19%
Yes - 22% |
PSA5 - 17%
6 - 19% 7 - 22% |
Age64 - 19%
66 - 21% 68 - 22% |
Prior BiopsyNone - 19%
Neg - 18% NotSure - 19% |
Abnormal DRE &
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