Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. The prostate is a small gland that helps make semen. As men get older, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases.
The initial test for Prostate cancer is via a blood test and rectal examination of the Prostate. The blood test for Prostate Cancer is called a PSA Blood test. PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen, which is a protein made by the prostate. Higher-than-normal PSA levels might be a sign of prostate cancer. But PSA can also go up for other reasons, like an enlarged prostate or infection.
The following website from The Prostate Cancer UK website is an excellent page which we would like you to read to help in your decision making of whether to have the test.
Prostate Cancer UK – PSA Blood Test
In order to arrange a blood test, please speak to Reception who will book this for you.
Ideally, you will also need a direct examination of the prostate. This will involve an internal feel of the prostate through the rectum. The rationale for this is that the blood test can be normal despite having prostate cancer. If you choose not to have the internal examination and just the blood test, please be aware that this may cause you to have unnecessary investigations OR potentially risk missing prostate cancer if the blood test is normal.
At your blood test appointment, the Health Care Assistant / Nurse will ask you to confirm that you have read and understood the risks of having a PSA blood test and whether or not you would like to be booked in for the prostate examination. If you would also like the examination, the Health Care Assistant / Nurse will message the Doctors box and you will be invited to an appointment for an examination at a later date.
If you are having a PSA test, there are numerous conditions which can cause a falsely high reading. We ask that patients should delay their test in the below conditions which can cause an incorrect result:
– Treated for a urine infection within the last 4-6 weeks
– Ejaculated in the previous 48 hours prior to the test
– Vigorous exercise in the previous 48hrs prior to the test
– Had a rectal examination in the previous 1 week prior to the test
– Had anal intercourse in the previous 1 week prior to the test
– Had a prostate biopsy in the previous 6 weeks prior to the test