<s>[INST] Ive just completed my annual physical and my PSA level went up to 6.0.  2010 was 3.8 and 2009 was 2.5.  Prior to that my levels were 1.0 - 1.4.  My question is this, my son just passed away unexpectantly and I have been under a lot of stress.  Can this type of stress and depression have any effect on my PSA numbers?  Ive also been exercising a lot more to try to help with the stress, could that have an impact on my recent PSA test?Thank you very much! [/INST] Hi, Thanks for writing in.PSA is a marker for probability of prostate cancer when if shows a particular pattern of increase on consecutive blood tests. It should be remembered that PSA can also be raised in non-cancerous situations like infection involving the prostate. Perceived stress significantly lowers PSA screening likelihood, and it seems to partly mediate the negative relationship of depression with screening likelihood. Anxiety affects PSA screening rates differently for men with different numbers of doctor visits.Therefore, it is unlikely that PSA is raised due to stress and anxiety. Please get checked for any infection or inflammation. TO rule out cancer doing a free PSA analysis might help. </s>