Have you heard of the PSA?
The PSA is a blood test for levels of Prostate Specific Antigen. A high PSA can sometimes be a warning sign of prostate problems such as cancer, but issues around reliability mean the PSA isn’t offered routinely in the UK.
Last week The Telegraph launched a campaign for targeted PSA screening, backed by Sir Chris Hoy, which has brought the issue firmly back into the limelight.
As a charity which works for the community, we carry out free PSA mass testing events in Devon and Cornwall in response to local demand for this service.
The issue of PSA testing is complex, though, and there are several reasons that routine testing isn’t currently offered in the UK:
- High false-positive rate – About 75% of elevated PSA results don’t indicate cancer. A high PSA can be caused by other prostate issues, and PSA levels can go up for other reasons, for example afters riding a bike or having sex
- False negatives – around 15% of cancers aren’t picked up by the PSA
- Overdiagnosis – The PSA can detect cancers that would never have become harmful during the individual’s lifetime, leading to unnecessary anxiety and sometimes over treatment
Lesley-Ann Simpson, CEO of The Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health, said: “Screening for prostate cancer is not as straightforward as people think. The PSA blood test isn’t a test for cancer, and a high PSA can be caused by a whole range of harmless things. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety and overtreatment.
“With this in mind, we welcome targeted PSA testing for those most at risk in the community – particularly black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer.
“We desperately need a more accurate way of testing for the most common cancer in Britain, and it needs to be accessible for men wanting to get checked. As CEO of a men’s health charity, I hear stories of men being refused tests every day – sometimes with devastating consequences.”
Click here to find out more about the PSA test.
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.
