Prostate cancer can be difficult to catch in the crucial early stages, because symptoms often don’t develop until the disease has progressed. Thankfully, your GP can do a simple blood test which may help them to catch prostate cancer before symptoms develop.
The PSA test is a blood test which shows the levels of a hormone called prostate specific antigen in your blood. A high PSA can sometimes be a warning sign of prostate cancer – although it’s important to note that someone can have a high PSA for many harmless reasons, too.
PSA testing isn’t currently routinely offered on the NHS, meaning men need to ask to be tested. If you’re aged over 50, you can ask your GP for a PSA test even if you don’t have any symptoms of prostate cancer.
Some men are at a much higher risk of developing prostate cancer, and should be tested early. If there’s a history of prostate cancer in your family, or if you have Afro-Caribbean heritage, you should ask your GP for a PSA blood test from the age of 45.
Current NHS guidelines mean that it’s your responsibility to find out and assess your risk of prostate cancer and decide when to request a blood test. There’s currently debate about this, though, with many experts believing that men with a higher risk of prostate cancer should be proactively offered the PSA test.
Click here to find out more about factors which may increase your risk of prostate cancer.
If you or someone you know is affected by prostate, testicular or penile cancer, our free patient and family support groups across Devon and Cornwall offer a space to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.
