Prostate cancer diagnosis - Taking painkillers could lower readings of PSA
December 11th, 2008 Posted in prostate cancer diagnosisA new study reports that taking certain painkillers can lower the levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) which can cause problems with the PSA screening tests used for prostate cancer detection.
It is not known whether this has anything to do with preventing prostate cancer but might be important to note that it can affect your PSA test. Your PSA reading may actually be higher if you are not using painkillers but it doesn’t mean that it has any protective effect.
So, if you are scheduled for a PSA screening test make sure to ask your doctor if you should avoid taking any of your medications, over-the-counter painkillers or prescription painkillers or any other medications anytime before the test. That’s one good way to help get a better reading, that is, IF we can rely on the PSA test to help diagnose prostate cancer.