PSA blood test – Prostate cancer test
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, particularly as they age. It begins in the prostate, a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. While prostate cancer can be slow-growing and sometimes causes no serious harm, in other cases, it can be aggressive and life-threatening. At London Doctors Clinic, we regularly see patients for PSA blood tests and other enquiries about prostate health. Early detection through tools like the PSA test can help catch the disease when it’s most treatable.
Please note the cost for PSA testing is £92 plus the standard consultation price starting from £89.
What will happen in my appointment?
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| The GP will talk through any concerns you have | They will conduct the test which includes taking a blood sample | This will be sent to the lab for analysis |
You will receive your results quickly along with any advice from the doctor |
What will happen in my appointment?
|
| The GP will talk through any concerns you have |
|
| They will conduct the test which includes taking a blood sample |
|
| This will be sent to the lab for analysis |
|
| You will receive your results quickly along with any advice from the doctor |
What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. The primary function of the prostate is to produce a fluid that nourishes and transports sperm, which is a key part of semen. While it plays a vital role in reproductive health, it can also be the site of various health problems as men age, including prostate cancer.
Who is at Risk of Prostate Cancer?
Several factors can increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer:
- Age: Prostate cancer risk increases significantly with age, particularly after 50. Most prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65.
- Family History: Having a close relative, such as a father, brother, or son, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer raises your risk. The risk is even higher if multiple family members have had the disease or if they were diagnosed at an early age.
- Genetics: Certain inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 (also linked to breast cancer), can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
- Diet and Lifestyle: While the exact relationship is not fully understood, a diet high in processed foods and unhealthy fats may be linked to a higher risk. Obesity and lack of exercise can also contribute to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of an enlarged Prostate and Prostate Cancer
In the early stages, prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why screening tools like the PSA test are so important. As the prostate grows, symptoms may include:
- Difficulty urinating: A weak or interrupted urine stream, difficulty starting or stopping urination, or a feeling that the bladder doesn’t empty completely.
- Terminal Dribbling: The continued leakage of urine at the end of urination
- Frequent urination (urinary frequency): Particularly at night (nocturia).
- Blood in urine or semen: This can be a warning sign that should not be ignored.
- Pelvic discomfort: Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis can indicate that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
- Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
However, these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is common in ageing men, or prostatitis (prostate inflammation). This overlap of symptoms is why further testing, including the PSA test, is important to determine the cause.
What is the difference between a PSA blood test and a prostate examination?
The PSA blood test and a prostate examination are both used to screen for prostate issues, but they differ in how they are performed and what they evaluate.
Prostate examination
A prostate examination usually refers to a digital rectal exam (DRE), where the doctor feels the prostate through the rectal wall. The goal is to physically check the prostate gland for abnormalities, such as lumps, asymmetry, or hard areas, which could indicate prostate cancer or other prostate issues.
What is a PSA Test?
A PSA blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a man’s blood. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate, a small gland found below the bladder in men. The PSA test is a simple blood test that helps to screen for or monitor potential prostate health issues, particularly prostate cancer.
What Does a PSA Test Measure?
The test looks at the concentration of PSA in the bloodstream. While low levels of PSA are normal, elevated levels can indicate a problem. However, higher PSA levels don’t automatically mean cancer. Other conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlarged prostate), prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), or even recent ejaculation or a prostate exam can cause a rise in PSA levels.
What is the PSA Test Used For?
A PSA test can be used for various purposes, including:
- Prostate Cancer Screening: A PSA test is often part of the routine screening process for prostate cancer, especially for men at higher risk. It’s usually combined with other diagnostic tools like a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Monitoring After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, a PSA test can track how your condition is progressing or how well treatments are working.
- Checking for Recurrence of Cancer: After treatment, PSA tests are used to check for signs that cancer has come back.
- Monitoring Non-Cancerous Prostate Conditions: The test is also useful for monitoring other prostate conditions like BPH or prostatitis.
Who Should Get a PSA Test?
PSA testing is not routine for all men and is typically recommended based on certain factors like age, family history, and overall health risks. Here are some general guidelines for who should consider getting a PSA test:
- Men Aged 45 and Over: Prostate cancer is more common in men over 50, so doctors often recommend starting discussions about PSA testing around this age.
- Men with a Family History of Prostate Cancer: If you have a close relative (like a father or brother) who had prostate cancer, especially at a young age, your risk may be higher, and PSA testing may be recommended earlier, sometimes starting at age 40.
- Men with Symptoms of Prostate Issues: If you’re experiencing symptoms like difficulty urinating, blood in urine, or pelvic pain, your doctor may suggest a PSA test to rule out prostate problems.
Benefits of PSA Testing
Early Detection of Prostate Cancer: PSA tests can help catch prostate cancer in its early stages, which can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
Monitoring Prostate Health: It provides valuable information for those already diagnosed with prostate issues, helping doctors adjust treatment as needed.
Deciding Whether to Get a PSA Test
The decision to have a PSA test is a personal one, and it’s important to discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider. Factors like your age, race, family history, and overall health should be considered. Together with your doctor, you can weigh the potential benefits and risks to make the best decision for your health.
The PSA test is a valuable tool for assessing prostate health, particularly for detecting prostate cancer. However, it’s not perfect, and it’s important to have a well-informed conversation with your doctor about whether it’s right for you based on your individual risk factors. Early detection can save lives, but so can avoiding unnecessary tests and treatments.
How to prepare for a PSA test
Please note that before a PSA test, it’s advised to avoid all sexual activity for at least 48-hours before the test. This is because ejaculation can cause PSA levels to rise temporarily, which may distort the PSA test values. It’s best to avoid strenuous physical activity for this 48-hour period too, since this may also affect true PSA tests.
Should the GP be concerned by any symptoms or results, they can provide a private referral to a urology specialist for further investigation.
Please note the cost for a PSA test is in addition to the standard consultation price starting from £89.
These services are available at all of our 16 London Clinics including our Bank, Canary Wharf, Chislehurst, Chiswick, Esher, Fulham, Hampstead, Islington, Kensington, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Oxford Street, St Albans, Victoria and Wandsworth or you can book an Online Doctor clinics.
PSA Blood Test Locations: Bank, Canary Wharf, Chislehurst, Chiswick, Esher, Fulham, Hampstead, Islington, Kensington, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Oxford Street, St Albans, Victoria and Wandsworth or you can book an Online Doctor
Medically reviewed by: Dr Preethi Daniel, GP at London Doctors Clinic
Reviewed: February 2024
Next review date: February 2025