Emerging Prevalence of Prostate Cancer Using Serum PSA

Abstract

Prostate cancer is a major public health concern worldwide, with its burden increasing particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing remains an important biomarker for early detection and monitoring, although its diagnostic specificity is limited. This study aimed to assess the emerging prevalence of PSA levels. A cross-sectional study was conducted with serum PSA levels categorized as normal (≤4.0 ng/mL), borderline (4.1–10.0 ng/mL), or high (>10.0 ng/mL). Age groups were stratified into <40 years, 41–50 years, and >50 years. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings, and chi-square analysis tested associations between age and PSA levels. Results showed that 45.0% of patients had normal PSA levels, 20.0% had borderline values, and 35.0% showed high PSA levels. Among men younger than 40 years, all (100%) had normal PSA levels. In the 41–50 years group, 33.3% were normal, 25.0% borderline, and 41.7% high. In those above 50 years, 44.8% were normal, 20.0% borderline, and 35.2% high. Although descriptive analysis revealed higher prevalence of abnormal PSA with advancing age, the chi-square test showed no statistically significant association between age group and PSA level (χ² = 4.334, p = 0.363). In conclusion, a substantial proportion of patients presented with borderline or elevated PSA values, particularly among men aged over 50 years. These findings reinforce the established age-related increase in prostate disease risk and highlight the importance of PSA testing for early detection and monitoring, while the absence of a statistically significant association underscores the need for larger, multi-center studies to validate these patterns.