1. What Is a PSA Test?
- PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen. It is a protein produced by the prostate gland.
- A PSA blood test measures the level of PSA in your blood. High levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions (e.g., an enlarged or inflamed prostate).
2. Who Can Request a PSA Test?
- Men aged 50 or over can request a PSA test, even if they have no symptoms, after being informed of the pros and cons.
- Men under 50 may wish to discuss PSA testing if they have certain risk factors, such as a strong family history of prostate cancer or being of Black African or Black Caribbean heritage, where the risk of prostate cancer is higher.
3. Potential Benefits & Limitations
Potential Benefits
- May help detect prostate cancer at an earlier stage, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Limitations & Harms
- False positives: Elevated PSA can occur for reasons other than cancer (e.g., infection, recent exercise, sexual activity). This might lead to unnecessary worry or investigations.
- False negatives: A normal PSA result can sometimes miss an existing prostate cancer.
- Further investigations (like biopsy) may carry risks of complications, and detecting a slow-growing prostate cancer can lead to overtreatment.
4. Exclusion Criteria
If you have any symptoms or conditions listed below, please speak to a GP before requesting a PSA test:
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow
- Blood in your urine or semen
- Needing to pass urine much more frequently or urgently
- Unexplained back or bone pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Currently under a urology specialist, or previously diagnosed with prostate conditions that might affect your PSA reading. If this is the case please speak to your specialist and not the GP. Please request the test form from the specialist.
5. What If I Have Concerns or Questions?
- If you do not understand any aspect of PSA testing—its risks, benefits, limitations—or if you suspect you have symptoms, please book a face-to-face appointment with a GP.
- It is crucial to have all your questions answered and ensure PSA testing is appropriate for your situation.
6. Next Steps if You Are Asymptomatic and Informed
- After reading all the above information, you can request a PSA test by using our online form sent via text message.
- In the form, you will be asked to confirm that you:
- Have read and understood this information about PSA testing.
- Do not have any red-flag symptoms or exclusion criteria.
- Accept that PSA testing can have false positives/negatives and may lead to further investigations.
- Wish to proceed without a further GP consultation at this time.
Once you confirm these points, we can issue a blood test request for you. You will receive instructions on when and where to have your blood taken.
7. How Will I Get My Results?
- Normal result: The surgery will not contact you. Your result will be available online in your NHS app, or SystmOne online portal for you to view, if you wish.
- Abnormal or borderline result: A GP or nurse will contact you to discuss next steps (e.g., repeat test or referral to a specialist).
8. Disclaimer
- This page is provided for general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice.
- Guidelines may change over time; we do our best to keep this page updated in line with NICE and NHS guidance.
- If you have any uncertainties or concerns, we strongly encourage you to speak with a healthcare professional before deciding on a PSA test.
