Movember! Should I test for prostate cancer?

Movember, is an annual campaign in November, raises awareness about men's health issues, including prostate cancer. During this month, men are encouraged to grow mustaches to spark conversations and promote initiatives like PSA testing, crucial for early detection of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with 1 in 6 men diagnosed at some point during their lifetime.

The good news is that prostate cancer also has high survival rates: 78% of patients survive for 10 or more years. This rises to 100% when we look at those patients who are diagnosed with Stage 1 prostate cancer.

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test can help to catch prostate cancer early, increasing your chances of a long-term recovery. Whilst the test alone can’t conclusively indicate if you have prostate cancer, it remains a valuable tool for monitoring your prostate health. Take it in close discussion with your GP to ensure that you understand the risks and benefits.

The prostate-specific antigen test

The PSA blood test measures the levels of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. Elevated PSA levels might indicate prostate cancer.

Importantly, they could also indicate a number of other prostate health problems, including:

• prostatitis

• an enlarged prostate

• a urinary tract infection

This is why, if your PSA levels are outside of the normal range, your doctor will recommend other kinds of tests before reaching a diagnosis. These may include a:

• digital rectal examination

• MRI scan

• prostate biopsy

These tests will help to determine if your raised PSA levels are caused by a cancer, and if this cancer needs treatment.

Why is there no prostate cancer screening programme?

The NHS doesn’t operate a screening programme for prostate cancer because the PSA test isn’t entirely reliable as a diagnostic tool. Not everyone with raised PSA levels has prostate cancer, and not everyone with prostate cancer has raised PSA levels.

This means that a PSA test might:

• inaccurately suggest that you have cancer, leading to an invasive biopsy

• catch a slow-growing cancer for which you have unnecessary treatment

• miss a cancer for which you do need treatment

Advantages of a PSA test

On the other hand, a PSA test can catch prostate cancer early, and an early diagnosis significantly increases your chance of a long-term recovery.

If you know that you fall into a high-risk category - you have a family history of prostate cancer, you’re Black, and/or you have symptoms of prostate cancer - checking your PSA levels may help you to manage anxiety about your prostate health.

If you’re feeling worried about prostate cancer, take a look at Prostate Cancer UK’s community forum to hear from people who have similar concerns.

Access a PSA test today

At Orchard, we offer PSA tests in a comfortable, professional environment. The blood test itself doesn’t take long, and you’ll receive your results in just 24 hours.

We highly recommend that you take a PSA test with the guidance of your GP, and book an appointment with them to consult on your results.

Book your PSA test today at a convenient time, including Saturdays, to set your mind at ease.