A PSA test is a simple blood test. This measures the amount of PSA in your blood. The test only takes a few minutes and can be done at your GP surgery.
The prostate produces a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA helps to make your semen more liquid. Some PSA leaks into your blood. How much will depend on:
A PSA test can help show if you may have a problem with your prostate, including prostate cancer.
A high PSA level does not always mean you have prostate cancer.
PSA levels can be higher because of other prostate problems, such as an enlarged prostate or an infection.
A normal PSA level does not always mean there is no prostate cancer.
If your PSA level is high, your GP will talk to you about what it means and whether you need more tests.
These tests may include an MRI scan, a prostate biopsy, or both
Speak to your GP if you have symptoms such as:
Needing to pass urine more often.
A sudden urge to pass urine.
Getting up more often during the night to pass urine.
Difficulty starting or stopping urination.
Blood in your urine.
Problems getting or keeping an erection.
Ongoing pain in your back, hips or pelvis.
Feeling very tired all the time.
Unexplained weight loss.
If you have a BRCA2 gene variant, your risk of developing prostate cancer is higher than average.
The UK National Screening Committee recommends PSA testing every 2 years for men aged 45 to 61 who have a BRCA2 gene variant and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer.
You do not need to have symptoms. Speak to your GP or specialist about PSA testing.
If one of your parents, brothers, sisters or children has a BRCA gene variant, you may benefit from genetic testing. Speak to your GP or specialist for advice.
Speak to your GP. They will talk to you about your concerns and ask about things that may affect your risk of prostate cancer, such as your family history.
Your GP will explain the benefits and limitations of a PSA test. Together, you can decide whether a PSA test is right for you.
You can speak to your GP. They will talk to you about your risk.
PSA is measured in nanograms per millilitre (ng/mL) or micrograms per litre (µg/L). These units are equivalent.
PSA levels can vary with age. Your PSA result should be interpreted alongside your age, symptoms and other health information.
PSA results and your age
For men under 40 and aged 80 or over, PSA results need to be looked at alongside symptoms and other health information. Your GP will decide if any further tests are needed
No. A high PSA level does not always mean you have prostate cancer.
About 1 in 4 men with a PSA level between 4 and 10 ng/mL will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
A PSA test alone cannot usually confirm whether or not you have prostate cancer. If your PSA level is high, you may need more tests, such as an MRI scan or a biopsy.
Other reasons why your PSA level may be high include:
An enlarged prostate, which becomes more common as you get older.
A urine infection.
Recent ejaculation. (sex or masturbation)
Cycling, running or other vigorous exercise in the 48 hours before your PSA test.
If you are having a PSA test as part of a general health check-up or screening, you will be asked to avoid the following for 48 hours before your PSA test:
Taking this information with you may help guide the discussion with your GP.
The PSA can be raised for many reasons:
Some organisations offer community PSA testing events. If you are concerned about prostate cancer, your GP can discuss your symptoms, concerns and personal risk factors with you. If a PSA test is recommended, it can be arranged free of charge through the NHS.
Before attending a community PSA testing event, make sure you know:
Whether there will be an experienced nurs
e or doctor available to discuss your concerns.
How your PSA test will be carried out.
Whether your blood sample will be sent to a laboratory or tested at the event.
How the quality of the testing process is checked.
How and when you will receive your results.
What your result means.
Whether you need any follow-up tests.
Whether your GP will be told the result, or if you need to tell them yourself.
Who to contact if you have questions or concerns.
A PSA result on its own cannot diagnose or rule out prostate cancer.
If you have symptoms or are worried about prostate cancer, speak to your GP even if your PSA test result is normal.
If you are concerned about prostate cancer, we recommend speaking to your GP rather than using a home PSA testing kit. Your GP can discuss your symptoms, concerns and risk factors with you. If a PSA test is recommended, it can be arranged free of charge through the NHS.
PSA home testing kits are available to buy online and from some pharmacies.
If you choose to use a home testing kit, check that it has a CE or UKCA mark and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. A CE or UKCA mark shows that the test meets safety and quality standards. It does not mean that the test can tell you if you do or do not have prostate cancer, or that it is as accurate as an NHS laboratory test.
A home PSA test cannot diagnose prostate cancer. A high PSA level can be caused by several conditions, including an enlarged prostate, inflammation or an infection.
A normal PSA result does not rule out prostate cancer, and a high PSA result does not always mean cancer is present.
If you have symptoms or are worried about prostate cancer, speak to your GP even if your home test result is normal.
