Prostate Cancer Screening Test
What is prostate cancer screening?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide. Early detection through appropriate screening and investigations can significantly improve outcomes by identifying cancer at a treatable stage.
Prostate cancer screening aims to detect the disease before symptoms develop, playing a key role in prostate cancer early detection, timely intervention, and effective management.
What happens during the appointment?
One of the GPs will ask you some questions to identify any potential symptoms related to your prostate. An examination - from the GP - will manually assess the prostate through the rectum to check for abnormalities such as hard, irregular or enlarged areas. To finish a blood test called the PSA and a urine sample may also be completed during the same appointment.
Who should be screened?
Screening for prostate cancer is recommended for men based on risk factors such as:
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Age: Men over 50 are generally considered for screening, while those with a family history or other risk factors may start at 45.
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Family History: Men with a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer are at higher risk.
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Ethnicity: Black men have a higher risk and are encouraged to consider earlier screening.
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Genetic Predisposition: Men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have an increased risk and may require earlier and more frequent screening.
What is the PSA Test?
The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer but can also be caused by benign conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis.
Pros of PSA Testing:
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Can detect prostate cancer early before symptoms develop.
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A simple blood test that is widely available.
Cons of PSA Testing:
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Elevated PSA does not always indicate cancer, and some cancers may not produce high PSA levels.
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PSA test results can vary and are not definitive on their own.