Should I test for 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.