PSA Testing

Screening for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is now the most prevalent cancer in men, but there is no national screening programme for the disease. Currently, the only "approved" test is the PSA test, available on the NHS via your GP. Additionally, the Somerset Prostate Support Association offer free discreet testing at events throughout the year in Somerset.

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by normal cells in the prostate and prostate cancer cells. It’s normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood, and the amount rises as you get older because your prostate gets bigger. A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, but not necessarily cancer.