Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Many men will never develop prostate cancer, but it becomes more common as you get older.

You may have heard about prostate cancer in the news recently. This has encouraged more people to ask whether they should have a PSA blood test.

This page explains what the PSA test is, who may benefit from having one, and when to seek medical advice.

The prostate is a small gland found below the bladder. It is part of the male reproductive system and helps produce semen.

As men get older, the prostate often gets bigger. This is common and does not always mean cancer.

Prostate cancer happens when abnormal cells grow inside the prostate gland.

Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never cause problems. Others can grow more quickly and need treatment.

Finding cancer early can make treatment more effective.

You may have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer if you:

• are aged 50 or over
• are Black African or Black Caribbean
• have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer
• have certain inherited genetic conditions, such as a BRCA2 gene change

If you are at higher risk, it is worth discussing PSA testing with your GP.

If the Risk Checker suggests you may be at higher risk, or you have concerns about your symptoms, please contact the practice to discuss your options.

PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen.

A PSA test is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA in your blood.

It is important to know that the PSA test is not a test for cancer.

A raised PSA level can be caused by:
• an enlarged prostate
• a urine infection
• inflammation of the prostate
• recent exercise or cycling
• recent sexual activity
• getting older

Some men with prostate cancer have a normal PSA result, while many men with a raised PSA do not have cancer.

The PSA test is one part of the assessment and may be followed by other tests if needed.

There is currently no national NHS screening programme for prostate cancer.

This is because the PSA test is not accurate enough to be offered routinely to everyone. It may lead to unnecessary worry or further tests for some men, while missing cancer in others.

If you are aged 50 or over, you can ask to discuss having a PSA test with your GP, even if you have no symptoms.

Together, you can talk about the benefits and limitations of testing and decide whether it is right for you.

Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:
• needing to pass urine more often
• getting up during the night to pass urine
• difficulty starting to pass urine
• a weak urine flow
• feeling that your bladder has not emptied properly
• blood in your urine or semen
• problems getting or keeping an erection
• pain in your back, hips or pelvis that does not go away

These symptoms are usually caused by conditions other than cancer, but they should always be checked by a healthcare professional.

If your GP thinks further investigation is needed, they may:

• ask about your symptoms and medical history
• examine your prostate
• arrange a PSA blood test
• refer you for further tests, such as an MRI scan or biopsy if appropriate

Not everyone with a raised PSA will need all of these tests.

Please get in touch if you:

• have symptoms that concern you
• would like to discuss whether a PSA test is right for you
• have a strong family history of prostate cancer
• have completed the Risk Checker and would like to talk about your result
• think you may be at higher risk

If you have symptoms, please do not delay seeking medical advice.

Is the PSA test a cancer test?
No. It measures the level of PSA in your blood. A raised PSA can have several causes and does not always mean cancer.

Can I ask for a PSA test?
Yes. Men aged 50 or over can ask to discuss a PSA test with their GP.

Does a normal PSA result mean I don't have cancer?
No. A normal result cannot completely rule out prostate cancer.

Does a raised PSA mean I have cancer?
No. Many men with a raised PSA do not have prostate cancer.

NHS - Read more about prostate cancer, symptoms and treatment.

PSA Testing - Learn more about the benefits and limitations of the PSA blood test.

Prostate Cancer UK - Information, support and advice for people affected by prostate cancer.