What should you know about a prostate cancer UK test?

Testing commonly begins with a discussion of urinary changes, family history and previous results. A prostate-specific antigen blood test can show a raised level, but a raised result can have causes other than cancer. A clinician may examine the prostate through the rectum to assess its size and texture. Imaging can help identify an area that needs closer assessment. A biopsy removes small tissue samples so a laboratory can look for cancer cells and describe their features.

The result is interpreted as a whole rather than from one finding alone. Your clinician may explain whether further assessment, active monitoring or treatment is appropriate.

Take your medication list and note urinary symptoms, their timing and any change in sexual or bowel function. Ask whether you need to avoid strenuous activity or ejaculation before a blood test, and ask how a biopsy would be arranged if it is recommended. After a biopsy, follow the care instructions and report fever, worsening pain or heavy bleeding. Keep a copy of your results so different members of your care team can review the same information.

Arrange a clinical assessment for persistent difficulty passing urine, blood in urine or semen, or new urinary changes. Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, develop fever or chills after a biopsy, or have severe weakness, increasing pain or heavy bleeding. These symptoms need prompt assessment whether or not cancer has been diagnosed.

Ask which tests are being recommended and what each one can show; whether a raised blood result has another possible explanation; whether imaging or biopsy is next; and when you should expect the report. You can also ask how the result would change your choices.