Overview What is a PSA test? A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the amount of PSA in your body. PSA is a protein that your prostate gland makes. Normal and cancerous prostate tissue make PSA. However, prostate cancer tends to produce it in higher amounts. High PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer. When should men get a prostate exam? According to the American Cancer Society, men and people who were assigned male at birth (AMAB) should have their first prostate exam by age 50. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you should consider having your first prostate exam at age 45. bYMDqA.