Prostate Cancer
Screening for Prostate Cancer
There is no national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK. This is because there isn’t a reliable test that can pick up prostate cancer at an early stage.
You may have heard of a PSA test. This test in conjunction with other tests maybe carried out if you are displaying symptoms prior to a referral to Urology.
What is the PSA test?
PSA stands for prostate specific antigen. It’s a protein made by both normal and cancerous prostate cells. It’s normal for all men to have some PSA in their blood.
A high level of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer. But your PSA level can also be raised because of other conditions that aren’t cancer. This includes a urine infection or a benign enlarged prostate
It must also be said that a PSA test can also miss some prostate cancers. Therefore, a PSA test on its own is not recommended as a screening test for prostate cancer.
What to do if you are worried about Prostate Cancer?
You may have heard that urinary symptoms, such as difficulty passing urine, a slow or weak urinary stream or need to urinate more often, especially at night, blood in your urine are signs of prostate cancer.
If you have any of these symptoms, it doesn’t mean that you have prostate cancer, but it is important to get them checked out. We suggest that you call to arrange a PSA blood test and a GP will follow-up any abnormal results.
To check your risk for Prostate Cancer, please visit the Prostate Cancer UK website.