Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

About the Test

PSA is measured using the PSA blood test. PSA help detects prostate cancer and also monitors the response to treatment in those diagnosed with prostate cancer.  A raised PSA level can be caused by many things, such as a urinary infection, an enlarged prostate, or prostate cancer.

Purpose of the test

Currently, there is no evidence to show that the overall benefits of a PSA- based screening program outweigh the risks. Using the PSA test to screen healthy men for prostate cancer is not recommended. 

You are at higher risk of prostate cancer if you:

• are aged 50 or older

• have a close relative, for example, brother or father, who has had prostate cancer

• are of black ethnic origin (double the risk)

Your healthcare professional will take these risk factors into account to give you the best available information and support your decision. 

This test may be required if you have symptoms of prostate disease, such as difficulty in passing urine, straining or taking a long time while urinating, hesitancy, weak flow, terminal dribbling, or passing urine more frequently than usual.