Prostate Cancer Screening

We are aware there is currently lots of media attention about prostate cancer screening. Unlike some other cancers, there is currently no national screening programme in place for prostate cancer. The main reason for this is the lack of a good screening test for prostate cancer. Currently the only easily accessible test is a blood test called the PSA. Unfortunately, this test is less than perfect, arising in false positive and false negative results. As a consequence, many men have gone on to have unnecessary further invasive testing or procedures with the risk of harm.

So what should I do?

If you have concerns about prostate health, then please speak to us. Each case is considered independently based on symptoms and risk factors. We would want to know about risk factors, such as family history of prostate cancer but most importantly if you have any symptoms or not. We would then help decide with you what tests would be helpful or not. The tests might include urine testing, blood testing (PSA) or possibly a physical examination.

More information on prostate cancer testing and symptoms can be found on the following links