PSA TESTING and PROSTATE CANCER

The prostate specific antigen (PSA) test may help find out if we are more likely to have prostate cancer. It is not perfect and will not find all prostate cancers and it has potential harms and potential benefits.

The prostate gland lies just below our bladder. It helps produce healthy sperm. Problems with the prostate gland can affect how we urinate and our sexual function. Prostate cancer is caused when some cells in the prostate start to grow out of control. Slow-growing cancers are common, but may not cause any symptoms or shorten our life.

Most early prostate cancers do not have any symptoms. If there are, many are the same as those caused by an enlarged prostate that is not cancerous. Symptoms can include problems urinating, pain when ejaculating, pain or stiffness in the lower body, extreme tiredness and loss of appetite.

The PSA blood test measures the level of PSA in your blood. A raised PSA level can mean we have prostate cancer. But it can also mean we have a condition that is not cancer, such as enlargement of the prostate or a urinary infection.

If we are not showing the symptoms, we probably do not need a PSA test. If you have any concerns, talk to your GP or practice nurse.