# The PSA test for prostate cancer explained > Source: World Aid Network — https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/psa-test ## In short The PSA test is a blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate. A raised level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but harmless conditions such as an enlarged prostate can also cause it. There is no UK screening programme, but men over 50 (or 45 at higher risk) can request the test from their GP. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is the main blood test used to check the health of the prostate. Because early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all, the PSA test is one of the few ways to pick up a problem early — but it comes with genuine trade-offs that are worth understanding before you decide. There is no national prostate cancer screening programme in the UK, because the PSA test on its own is not reliable enough to use for everyone. Instead, men can choose to have the test after an informed conversation with their GP. ## What the PSA test measures PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Small amounts normally leak into the blood, and the level tends to rise gradually with age. A higher-than-expected level can be an early sign of prostate cancer, which is why the test is useful. However, a raised PSA does not mean you have cancer. Common, non-cancerous causes include an enlarged prostate (very common with age), a urine infection, recent vigorous exercise, or recent ejaculation. Equally, some men with prostate cancer have a normal PSA, so the test can give false reassurance. ## Who can have a PSA test In the UK, any man over 50 can ask his GP for a PSA test, even without symptoms, after discussing the benefits and risks. Because the risk of prostate cancer is higher and starts younger in some groups, men are encouraged to consider the test earlier — from age 45 — if they are Black or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer. Black men can read the dedicated prostate cancer in Black men guide for the 1 in 4 lifetime risk. If you have urinary symptoms, such as needing to pee more often or a weak flow, your GP may suggest a PSA test as part of looking into the cause. ## Weighing up the pros and cons The main benefit of the PSA test is that it can find prostate cancer early, before symptoms appear, when treatment is most likely to be successful. For men at higher risk, this can be very valuable. The downsides are real too. A raised PSA often leads to further tests, such as an MRI scan and a biopsy, which can cause anxiety and, occasionally, side effects — even though many of these men turn out not to have cancer. The test can also detect slow-growing cancers that would never have caused harm, leading to treatment that was not needed. Understanding this balance is why the decision is a personal one, made together with your GP. ## What happens if your PSA is raised If your PSA is higher than expected, the next step is usually an MRI scan of the prostate, which helps show whether a biopsy is needed and where to target it. A biopsy takes small samples of prostate tissue to check for cancer cells. If cancer is found, further tests grade how aggressive it is and whether it has spread, which guides the choice of treatment — including, for some slow-growing cancers, simply monitoring it closely rather than treating straight away. ## Key takeaways - The PSA test is a blood test that can help find prostate cancer early, before symptoms appear. - A raised PSA is often caused by harmless conditions, and some prostate cancers do not raise PSA at all. - There is no national screening programme; men over 50 (or 45 if higher risk) can request the test from their GP. - A raised result usually leads to an MRI scan and possibly a biopsy — many of these men do not have cancer. - Deciding whether to have a PSA test is a personal choice, best made after discussing the pros and cons with a GP. ## Related pages in this guide - Overview: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer - The PSA test: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/psa-test - Symptoms: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/symptoms - Treatment options: https://worldaidnetwork.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I ask my GP for a PSA test? Yes. In the UK, any man over 50 can request a PSA test from their GP, even without symptoms, after a discussion about the benefits and risks. Men at higher risk — Black men, or those with a father or brother who had prostate cancer — are encouraged to consider it from age 45. Black men: https://worldaidnetwork.org/blog/prostate-cancer-black-men. ### Does a high PSA mean I have cancer? Not necessarily. Many things other than cancer can raise PSA, including an enlarged prostate, a urine infection, recent exercise or recent ejaculation. A raised result means further checks are sensible, but most causes are not cancer. ### Why isn't there national PSA screening in the UK? Because the PSA test on its own is not accurate enough to screen everyone safely. It misses some cancers, raises false alarms in many men without cancer, and can detect slow-growing cancers that would never cause harm. Instead, the UK offers an informed-choice approach where men can request the test after discussing it with their GP. ### How should I prepare for a PSA test? To avoid a falsely raised reading, it is generally advised not to ejaculate or do vigorous exercise (such as cycling) in the 48 hours before the test, and to wait if you have a urine infection. Your GP or nurse will give you specific advice. ## How you can help World Aid Network funds cancer treatment for patients who cannot pay in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia. Donate at https://worldaidnetwork.org/appeal/cancer-emergency or https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate?cause=cancer-treatment&appeal=cancer-emergency --- This is general information, not medical advice, published by World Aid Network. Always consult a qualified clinician about your own health.