By undergoing a quick blood test, you can identify the early stages of prostate cancer. Whether you're at high risk of developing the disease or you're already experiencing symptoms, the step towards finding out the truth is a PSA test.
Before you proceed, it's worth bearing in mind that PSA blood tests aren't 100% accurate - they don't identify all prostate cancers. But if high levels of the prostate-related antigen PSA are present in your blood, your doctor will order more tests to further the investigation.
PSA is a type of protein that's only produced in the prostate gland. How much PSA there is in your blood depends on a range of factors, including your age, the condition of your prostate and your lifestyle.
There is currently no NHS screening programme for prostate cancer due to the relative inaccuracy of tests. Nevertheless, a quick blood test can often be the beginning of a treatment plan and a pathway to recovery.
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases significantly after the age of 40. If you're aged between 50 and 69, you'll be classified as having raised PSA if you return a result of 3ng/ml or higher. Even if you do return an abnormal result, cancer is just one of several potential causes, including an enlarged prostate, a water infection and a condition called prostatitis.
If you're suffering from symptoms related to issues with your prostate, your doctor will advise you to undergo a blood test. The symptoms include:
An urge to urinate regularly
Urinating more regularly at night
Blood in the urine or semen
Pain while urinating
Urinating is taking much longer than normal
Persistent pain in the lower back and pelvic area
You might be encouraged to undergo regular PSA testing if:
You're black
You're overweight or obese
Close family members have had prostate cancer
If you cancel your appointment 24 hours before it starts, then you will receive a full refund. However, If you cancel your appointment within the 24-hour period before the appointment is due, then you will be liable to pay the cost of the consultation. If you do need to reschedule please contact us as soon as possible.
We want to ensure that all of our patients receive the information they need to make an informed decision about their healthcare. If you have any questions or if you require assistance with anything, please let us know.
We use cookies to improve you experience and deliver personalised content. By using this website, you agree to our privacy policy.
Privacy Policy
Copyright 2023 - Registered in England and Wales No 5122019.
My iGP Healthcare Plans allow you to pay a fixed monthly fee and in return you will receive a number of appointments throughout the year for up to 6 family members.
My iGP
If you are unable to attend an appointment at one of our clinics you can now speak to a GMC registered doctor, either on the phone or via video.
Online Appointments
Level Checks are a range of low-cost private health screens and individual tests carefully selected by our clinicians to help manage, maintain and improve your health.
Level Checks
Following the recent pandemic, it is important that you protect yourself with this year's Seasonal Flu Vaccine. Book your appointment now at one of iGP's Healthcare Registered clinics.
Book Online
