Prostate Screening in Vancouver, WA
We want you to feel better.
That is the core of who we are. We went into medicine because we want you to feel better!
We make sure our patients are heard, feel accepted, and experience compassionate care. That is why we are a membership based practice!
Prostate health is an important part of that mission for our male patients. Catching prostate issues early — including cancer — gives you the best possible outcome. Our expert providers make sure you get the high quality screening and care you deserve!
Please read on to learn more about prostate screening. When you are ready, simply click Enroll Now to join the practice.
We look forward to meeting you soon!
A Guide to Prostate Screening
At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, our clinicians expertly guide prostate health screening. PSA testing is one of the most important tools available for detecting prostate cancer early — when it is most treatable — and for monitoring the prostate health of men at elevated risk.
- An Introduction to Prostate Health
- Understanding PSA Testing
- What Elevated PSA Means
- Prostate Screening by Age & Risk
- Treatment & Referral Options
- FAQs about Prostate Screening
An Intro to Prostate Screening
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer — and one of the most survivable when caught early. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing is a simple blood draw that gives us a valuable early warning signal. At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, we discuss prostate screening with all appropriate-age male patients and make informed, individualized recommendations.
What Does PSA Testing Tell Us?
PSA is a protein produced by both normal and abnormal prostate tissue — here is what different levels indicate.
PSA Levels & What They Mean
A PSA below 4 ng/mL is generally considered normal for most men, though age-specific ranges apply. PSA between 4 and 10 ng/mL is borderline and warrants further evaluation. Above 10 ng/mL carries a higher likelihood of prostate cancer. Importantly, PSA can also rise due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis — which is why context and trend matter as much as a single result.
PSA Velocity & Free PSA Ratio
How quickly your PSA rises over time — called PSA velocity — is often as informative as the number itself. The ratio of free PSA to total PSA can also help differentiate cancer from benign causes. At VDPC, we track your PSA trend over time and use all available data to guide the right next steps — whether that means watchful waiting, repeat testing, or urology referral.
Prostate Screening by Age & Risk
When Should Men Start PSA Screening?
For most men, the conversation about PSA screening starts around age 50. If you are at higher risk, for example you have a family history of prostate cancer or are African American, we may recommend starting that conversation around age 45. PSA screening is a shared decision, so rather than a one-size-fits-all rule, your VDPC provider walks through your personal risk factors with you and helps you decide what makes sense and when. Because your visit is a full 60 minutes, there is real time to talk it through without feeling rushed.
Does Risk Affect When to Start Testing?
Absolutely. Average-risk men typically begin the screening conversation at age 50. Men with a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer before 65, or Black men who face a higher incidence of prostate cancer, should discuss screening beginning at age 40 to 45. At VDPC, we individualize the timing and frequency of screening based on your personal risk profile.
What Happens if My PSA Is Elevated?
An elevated PSA does not automatically mean cancer — but it does mean further evaluation. Your VDPC provider will assess your full clinical picture, discuss whether repeat PSA, free PSA ratio, or urology referral is appropriate, and guide you through the next steps with clear, calm explanation every step of the way.
Prostate Screening Tests & Markers
Key tests and values used in prostate health screening:
- Total PSA: primary prostate cancer screening marker
- Free PSA Ratio: helps differentiate cancer from BPH
- PSA Velocity: rate of PSA rise over time
- PSA Density: PSA adjusted for prostate volume
PSA Reference Ranges by Age
- Ages 40–49: below 2.5 ng/mL considered normal
- Ages 50–59: below 3.5 ng/mL considered normal
- Ages 60–69: below 4.5 ng/mL considered normal
- Ages 70+: below 6.5 ng/mL considered normal
Making the Right Prostate Screening Decision
Prostate screening involves a shared decision-making conversation between you and your provider. At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, we take the time to discuss your age, risk factors, values around early detection, and the potential benefits and limitations of PSA testing — so you can make a genuinely informed choice.
Is Prostate Screening Covered for VDPC Members?
Ordering your PSA lab is included in your VDPC membership. The lab test itself is billed separately. You can use your insurance, which typically covers age-appropriate prostate screening, or our steeply discounted cash rates, which keep PSA testing well below standard retail pricing.
Get Professional Medical Support for Your Prostate Health
At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, our providers will guide your prostate screening decisions and make sure any elevated results are followed up appropriately and promptly.
Thoughtful care to help you:
- Detect Prostate Cancer at Its Earliest Stage
- Understand Your PSA Results in Full Context
- Make an Informed Screening Decision
- Monitor PSA Trends Over Time
- Get Prompt Referral When Needed
FAQs About Prostate Screening
Should all men get a PSA test?
PSA screening is a personal decision made in conversation with your provider. Current guidelines generally recommend shared decision-making starting at age 50 for average-risk men, and earlier for those at higher risk. At VDPC, we discuss your risk factors, explain the benefits and limitations of testing, and support whatever decision you make with clear follow-up guidance.
Can a high PSA mean something other than cancer?
Yes — elevated PSA is not synonymous with prostate cancer. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, recent sexual activity, and even certain medications can raise PSA levels. This is why we interpret your result in full context rather than reacting to a single number. Additional testing and clinical evaluation always guide the next step.
What happens after an elevated PSA result?
An elevated PSA typically leads to repeat testing, free PSA ratio evaluation, and a thorough clinical review. If the clinical picture warrants it, your VDPC provider will refer you to a urologist for further workup, which may include an MRI or biopsy. We guide you through each step and make sure nothing falls through the cracks during the process.
How often should PSA be tested?
For men who choose to screen and have a normal baseline PSA, testing every one to two years is typical. Men with a higher baseline or those being monitored for elevated PSA may be tested more frequently. Your VDPC provider determines the right interval based on your results, age, and risk profile — and tracks your trend over time as part of your ongoing care.
High-Quality Primary Care.
Your prostate screening visit, evaluation, and lab orders are included with your membership at our low monthly rate of only $149. The lab tests themselves are billed separately, and you can use your insurance or our steeply discounted cash rates to keep that cost low. There’s no minimum contract; you may cancel anytime with only a text message.
Vancouver Direct Primary Care is a membership-based medical clinic in Vancouver, WA. Just like a gym membership gives you ongoing access, ours gives you a provider who tracks your PSA over time — so trends never go unnoticed.
This is how we keep our patient-to-provider ratio low and our care high. You get thorough, thoughtful care built on our values: being heard, feeling accepted, and receiving compassionate care every time.
Individuals
$149/month
- Cancel anytime with just a text
- Direct and secure Provider access via phone, email, video, or in-person
- Thorough, Thoughtful, and Compassionate Care
- Care that puts your goals at the center
- 10% discount for partners & families
Your VDPC membership is complete primary care, not a single service. The same provider who tracks your PSA also looks after the rest of your health, including:
- Annual checkups and preventive care
- Chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and thyroid issues
- Medication management and refills
- Lab orders and referrals to specialists when you need them
- Men’s health, including testosterone evaluation and management
- Mental health support