Blood test - Prostate Cancer Posted or Updated on 31 Oct 2024

Recent news reports have prompted enquiries from patients asking about a blood test for Prostate Cancer (a Prostate Specific Antigen or “PSA” test).

Gold Street Surgery follows national guidelines on testing and counselling people at risk of developing Prostate Cancer. There are a number of issues that have to be considered and it is important  to discuss the test with a GP first before reaching a decision on whether a test is appropriate. Please do not just try and make an appointment for a PSA blood test, as one will not be done without clinical authorisation.

There is an NHS leaflet on “PSA Testing” which is available here:

Leaflet - PSA Testing

We encourage you to read this leaflet first before discussing whether a test is necessary with your GP. There are links for other resources in the leaflet if you want to know more.

While the PSA test can help diagnose prostate problems, it is not perfect, and may miss some prostate cancers, detect some that will never go on to cause harm, or show a raised PSA when there is no cancer present. This is why it is important to discuss testing with your doctor.

If you notice something that is not normal for you, you may want to use our E-Consultation form to make an initial contact.