Frequently asked questions

Should I have a PSA test?

Scientifically this is a difficult question to ask when considering a population of men. But when its personal its perhaps a bit easier as you can apply your own values to issues which healthcare systems find difficult to apply to everyone.

PSA is a product of the prostate which forms a constituent of the semen. It leaks into the blood a little and the amount of this ‘leak’ can rise with various prostate conditions including enlargement, infection, inflammation and of course cancer.

The first question you may ask is, can PSA testing help find prostate cancer early? The answer to this is very clearly yes. Men with an elevated PSA are more likely than those with a low PSA. So having a PSA test can identify if you are at increased risk.

The best research available suggests that the risk of death from prostate cancer can be reduced by PSA screening of asymptomatic men but at the risk of identifying cancers that may not harm you and the subsequent overtreatment of these cancers.

Men with urinary symptoms should always have a PSA test and the benefits certainly outweigh the risks in these men.

Book at consultation with Mr Dudderidge to discuss the issues further and help you to decide if you would like a PSA test.