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Itisha Arya

Prostate Cancer Screening: How The PSA Test Works And Who Should Consider It

prostate cancer screening

The NHS will not be automatically inviting all men above a certain age to check for prostate cancer, unlike the approach for some other cancers. The UK National Screening Committee has suggested that the prostate-specific antigen (<span>PSA</span>) test should only be actively offered to men carrying the BRCA gene mutation, which increases their risk. Still, men can request a PSA test from their GP in certain situations.

Olympic cycling hero Sir <span>Chris Hoy</span>, who has received a terminal diagnosis, is among those campaigning for men with known risk factors to be invited for a PSA test at a certain age, even if they do not have any symptoms.

<h2>Prostate Cancer Screening: What Is The PSA Test?</h2>

 A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test checks the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder. The prostate produces the fluid part of semen.

The NHS says the test might be suggested if you notice symptoms that could point to prostate cancer, such as:

<ul><li>urinating more often than usual, feeling a sudden urge to pee, or waking up frequently at night to urinate</li><li>blood in your urine</li><li>difficulty getting or maintaining an erection</li></ul>

However, for most men, urinary symptoms are caused by something other than cancer.

A PSA test is usually carried out at a hospital or GP surgery by a nurse or other healthcare professional. Men are asked to avoid certain activities for 48 hours before the test, as these can temporarily raise PSA levels and affect the result. Activities to avoid include anything that leaves you out of breath, like strenuous exercise.

If a man’s PSA level comes back high, they may be offered a repeat test to see if the levels remain raised. If they do, the GP may refer them to a specialist for further investigations, such as a biopsy or an MRI scan.

<h2>Prostate Cancer Screening: Why Is The PSA Screening So Controversial?</h2>

 PSA levels can rise for many reasons, including minor infections, and around 75% of men with a raised PSA do not have prostate cancer. A high reading can lead to referrals for unnecessary biopsies or MRI scans, or treatment for tumours that might never have caused harm.

The PSA test can also miss aggressive cancers. Research has shown that roughly 15% of men with a normal PSA result may actually have prostate cancer.

<h2>Prostate Cancer Screening: Who Can Currently Get The PSA Test?</h2>

 <span>Routine PSA</span> testing is not offered as standard on the NHS. You might be offered a test if a doctor suspects symptoms that could indicate prostate cancer. Men undergoing treatment for a prostate condition may be offered regular PSA checks to monitor how treatment is progressing.

Men aged 50 and over can request a PSA test from their GP, even without symptoms. Campaigners say many men are unaware that they are at higher risk of prostate cancer and should be actively encouraged to think about having a PSA check.

<h2>Prostate Cancer Screening: Who Else Could Get It?</h2>

 If the UK National Screening Committee’s recommendation is approved by the Government next year, men with the BRCA gene mutation could also be invited for a PSA test. Men who think a family member might have had the BRCA gene mutation can request a genetic test on the NHS to find out.

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The NHS will not be automatically inviting all men above a certain age to check for prostate cancer, unlike the approach for some other cancers. The UK National Screening Committee has suggested that the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test should only be actively offered to men carrying the BRCA gene mutation, which increases their risk. Still, men can request a PSA test from their GP in certain situations.Olympic cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy, who has received a terminal diagnosis, is among those campaigning for men with known risk factors to be invited for a PSA test at a certain age, even if they do not have any symptoms.Prostate Cancer Screening: What Is The PSA Test? A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test checks the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder. The prostate produces the fluid part of semen.The NHS says the test might be suggested if you notice symptoms that could point to prostate cancer, such as:urinating more often than usual, feeling a sudden urge to pee, or waking up frequently at night to urinateblood in your urinedifficulty getting or maintaining an erectionHowever, for most men, urinary symptoms are caused by something other than cancer.A PSA test is usually carried out at a hospital or GP surgery by a nurse or other healthcare professional. Men are asked to avoid certain activities for 48 hours before the test, as these can temporarily raise PSA levels and affect the result. Activities to avoid include anything that leaves you out of breath, like strenuous exercise.If a man’s PSA level comes back high, they may be offered a repeat test to see if the levels remain raised. If they do, the GP may refer them to a specialist for further investigations, such as a biopsy or an MRI scan.Prostate Cancer Screening: Why Is The PSA Screening So Controversial? PSA levels can rise for many reasons, including minor infections, and around 75% of men with a raised PSA do not have prostate cancer. A high reading can lead to referrals for unnecessary biopsies or MRI scans, or treatment for tumours that might never have caused harm.The PSA test can also miss aggressive cancers. Research has shown that roughly 15% of men with a normal PSA result may actually have prostate cancer.Prostate Cancer Screening: Who Can Currently Get The PSA Test? Routine PSA testing is not offered as standard on the NHS. You might be offered a test if a doctor suspects symptoms that could indicate prostate cancer. Men undergoing treatment for a prostate condition may be offered regular PSA checks to monitor how treatment is progressing.Men aged 50 and over can request a PSA test from their GP, even without symptoms. Campaigners say many men are unaware that they are at higher risk of prostate cancer and should be actively encouraged to think about having a PSA check.Prostate Cancer Screening: Who Else Could Get It? If the UK National Screening Committee’s recommendation is approved by the Government next year, men with the BRCA gene mutation could also be invited for a PSA test. Men who think a family member might have had the BRCA gene mutation can request a genetic test on the NHS to find out.