The main risk factors for prostate cancer are age; 75% are diagnosed in the over 65 year old age group; family history and ethnicity also increase risk.

To obtain an optimal TPSA result, a patient should not have any active urinary tract infection, have had no ejaculation in the previous 48 hours and not had a prostate biopsy in the previous 6 weeks.

Normal age-related PSA values as per Irish NCCP guidelines for prostate cancer (2019)

Under 50 years of age < 2ug/L

Age 50 – 59 years       < 3ug/L

Age 60 – 69 years       < 4ug/L

Age 70+ years             <5 ug/L

Useful link

https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/pathology/resources/national-prostate-cancer-gp-referral-guideline.pdf