What should you know about PSA screening for prostate cancer?

Screening uses a blood test to measure prostate-specific antigen. PSA can rise because of prostate cancer, but also because of benign enlargement, inflammation, infection, recent ejaculation, cycling, or a procedure. Some people with prostate cancer have few symptoms, while urinary symptoms can have causes unrelated to cancer.

Before testing, discuss your age, family history, ancestry, previous PSA results, medicines, and personal concerns. Screening is a choice that should reflect the possible benefits of finding a significant cancer and the uncertainty that can follow an abnormal result.

Ask how to prepare, whether any activity or procedure could affect timing, and when results will be reviewed. A raised result may lead to repeat testing, urine assessment, an MRI Scan, or a Biopsy. These steps help clarify the cause but are not automatically needed for every result.

Keep copies of your readings and dates. If cancer is diagnosed, your team may discuss monitoring, surgery, Radiotherapy, Brachytherapy, or other treatments according to the cancer’s features and your preferences.

Do not wait for routine screening if you cannot pass urine, have fever or chills with urinary symptoms, see blood in your urine, or develop severe pelvic pain. Report persistent difficulty passing urine or new unexplained symptoms to a clinician even if you have not had a PSA test.

What makes screening suitable for me? What could affect my result? How would we respond to a raised PSA? When would you repeat it or arrange an MRI Scan or Biopsy? What are the possible consequences of finding a prostate change? Which symptoms require earlier review?