Every September, for Urology Awareness Month, The Urology Foundation raises awareness of urology diseases affecting the bladder, prostate, kidney and male reproductive system. You may have heard of a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test being used among other tests to assess for early signs of prostate cancer or other relevant prostate conditions. Read on to learn more about PSA tests and how they could help you.
Urology Awareness Month 2024
The theme for Urology Awareness Month 2024 is Men’s Urology Health Urology: Myths and Legends. Through this campaign, they’re urging males to recognise when a symptom doesn’t feel right and to ‘Be a legend’ by getting it checked.
At Benenden Hospital, our private Urology Service, led by expert urology Consultants, will make sure you have a speedy diagnosis and treatment in one place. We offer a range of men's health treatments in a comfortable and reassuring environment including PSA blood tests and three treatment options for enlarged prostate:
What is PSA?
PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen. PSA is a protein found in the male prostate gland. It naturally leaks into your blood, but this depends on a few factors such as your age and the size and health of your prostate.
Joe Appiah talks about prostate awareness
Joe Appiah, M50 Sprint Hurdles World Record holder, discusses his own personal prostate story and how he's campaigning to encourage all men to get their #PSA levels tested.
In 2021, my friend called me up, he was around the same age as me and said that he's got prostate cancer. I was shocked, of course, but he told me that he's got an operation coming up very, very quickly and that he I should going to get checked.
He told me that he had symptoms and ignored it. He's also got a family history of prostate and basically, he ignored it but for me I had no symptoms, so I had no need to go and get checked. But he encouraged me, he told me that black men we are higher risk. When he when he told me that, I did my own research and it transpired that one in eight men will get prostate cancer, but for black men we are one in four. Those people also with family history are in a higher risk category as well as age 50 and upwards, but for black men the age is slightly lower age. 45 and upwards, really you should be starting to get your prostate checked.
My GP said, ‘Well you got no symptoms, so you know I shouldn't really be sending you for a PSA blood test’. I insisted and he did a physical exam which was not conclusive and then he sent me for a blood test. The results of the blood test came back that my PSA was quite high - around 17 - and he sent me to the urology department and then I had an MRI scan, followed by a biopsy. And I wasn't expecting anything at all really, because I know that from my research other things can impact the PSA level being raised like protein, like if you're doing exercises and what you were doing prior to doing the PSA test.
The results of the biopsy came back; they took about 18 samples, around 80% of that suggested that I've got cancer, and I mean I was, you know, it was horrible. The doctor said to me ‘Do you know I'm telling you’ve that you got cancer?’ and that's when it dawned upon me that I've got cancer. From someone that's winning World Championships all of a sudden, I'm in my worst, vulnerable position that I've got cancer. So, it just shows that it doesn't matter how fit you are, how much you try to minimise these risks by, you know, your lifestyle this cancer doesn't discriminate.
So, once I was diagnosed, lucky for me after the biopsy they needed to know whether the cancer spread but lucky for me my cancer was what is called localised. It was within my prostate so, in September 2021, I had an operation. When I was diagnosed my cancer was at stage 2C; when I had my operation in September the cancer had changed to stage 3B. So, I know some people may say that prostate cancer is not progressive but it's different for everybody. It could be quite progressive, and I've come back to the thing that I love. It took a while, but I had plans in place to see if I can return back to competition and I have come back from cancer, and I even broke the world record for my age group.
What does a PSA test look for?
A PSA test is a simple blood test that detects the levels of this protein in your blood. If your levels are raised, it could indicate the presence of prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, urinary tract infection or prostatitis. It’s important to note that it does not detect any other forms of cancer.
How accurate is a PSA test?
A PSA test isn’t always accurate, so your GP may recommend further tests to be carried out before reaching a final diagnosis. You’ll likely be referred to a Urologist, who will carry out a biopsy of prostate tissue, an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan, a urine test and/or a rectal examination.
Pros of PSA tests
- It’s a simple blood test that can help to detect fast-growing prostate cancer at an early stage
- It could help to check for prostate cancer even before you have any symptoms
- It can provide peace of mind to those who are at risk of prostate cancer (family history of prostate cancer, overweight or of black ethnic origin), as a PSA test can be carried out regularly at a time that works for you
Cons of PSA tests
- According to the NHS, one in seven men with a normal PSA level may have prostate cancer and one in 50 with a normal PSA level may have a fast-growing cancer – therefore it’s important to remember that the PSA test can miss cancer
- You could have a raised PSA level but no prostate problems
- It may cause unnecessary worry if you’re diagnosed with a slow-growing prostate cancer that’s unlikely to cause any problems or shorten your life
Should I have a PSA test?
There is no national screening programme for PSA testing due to its potential inaccuracy at detecting prostate cancer. There is an informed choice programme instead, known as prostate cancer risk management. This is aimed at healthy men aged 50 and over who ask their GP about PSA testing.
Some men may choose to have a regular PSA test every two to three years, especially if there’s an increased risk of prostate cancer. Spotting any changes in your PSA levels could then mean further tests can be taken.
What do my PSA test results mean?
The amount of PSA in your blood is measured in nanograms of PSA per millilitre of blood (ng/ml).
So, if you’re aged 50-69, a raised PSA is considered 3ng/ml or higher. But your test results should clearly explain if it’s a raised result or a normal result.
PSA testing: Early detection and next steps
If your results come back as a raised PSA level, your GP might refer you to a Urology specialist at a hospital. This can also happen if your PSA is low or normal, but you have a higher risk of prostate cancer due to predetermined factors. You may have a ‘fast-track’ referral, which means you’ll see a specialist in two weeks – to ensure you’re getting the results you need quickly.
If your GP decides you don’t need to see a specialist because there are other reasons why your PSA level is raised, you’ll be recommended another PSA test down the line to ensure any changes are spotted.
Can you get a PSA test privately?
Yes! At Benenden Hospital, we offer a range of private blood tests including a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test as part of our GP Service. Your blood test will be carried out in one of our relaxing Outpatient rooms in a quiet and discreet environment.
Treatment for enlarged prostate at Benenden Hospital
If you’re experiencing enlarged prostate symptoms, including more trips to the toilet at night, or an inconsistent stream, we can help.
Book today by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm), completing our online enquiry form or contacting us via Livechat.
Published on 03 January 2025