What is the PSA blood test?
The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood and can detect the early signs of prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by normal cells in the prostate and also by prostate cancer cells. It’s normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood, and the amount rises slightly as you get older and your prostate gets bigger.
A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, but not necessarily cancer.
Lab results from the test normally arrive 2-3 days after the test.
Click here to download the NHS Patient Information Leaflet
What will the test results tell me?
A raised PSA level in your blood may show you have a problem with your prostate. However, this may not be prostate cancer.
A high PSA can be a sign of common prostate problems which are not related to cancer, such as prostatitis, or even a urine infection. Certain sports and medications may also temporarily affect PSA levels. You should avoid sexual activity for 48 hours before a PSA test. This is because ejaculation can temporarily increase your PSA levels.
If you have a high PSA level you should arrange to see your GP who might perform further tests and refer you to see a specialist at the hospital. If your GP thinks you could have prostate cancer, you will usually see a specialist within two weeks. You may hear this called a 'two-week wait' or 'fast-track' referral.
Benefits:
- May detect prostate cancer before any symptoms
- May detect fast growing cancer at an early stage
- Regular testing can detect increasing levels of PSA which may be due to cancer
Disadvantages:
- About 3 out of 4 men with a raised PSA level will not have cancer
- 1 in 7 men with normal PSA levels may have prostate cancer
- If your PSA level is raised you may need a biopsy or MRI scan. A biopsy can be a painful and invasive procedure.
- Slow growing prostate cancer is unlikely to cause problems or reduce life span and may just need careful monitoring by the hospital
Key Statistics:
- About 15% of all men with a “normal” PSA (under 4 ng/ml) may have prostate cancer
- Two out of three men with a raised PSA level don’t have prostate cancer
- One out of three men with a raised PSA level will have prostate cancer
- Two out of three men who have a biopsy don’t have cancer
- Biopsies in one in five men fail to spot prostate cancer
Should I get a PSA test?
That’s a decision only you can make.
We hear from many men who did get PSA tests, were asymptomatic but diagnosed with prostate cancer and want more people to get tested. This is because they believe catching their cancer early saved their life.
If you are unsure whether to have a test, your GP can discuss the pros and cons of PSA testing with you in light of your medical history. They can also arrange a free PSA for you if you are over 50.
We have completed all our testing events for this year, but you can still purchase a Home Testing Kit, just visit www.mypsatests.org.uk
If you’ve had a previous test with us click here to visit the booking site, enter your password at the top of the page to log in to your existing account.
Why have a Cholesterol Blood Test?
We recommend that all adults should get a cholesterol check, no matter what your age or how healthy you feel.
High cholesterol doesn't usually have any signs or symptoms, and it can be caused by your genes, so we advise getting a check even if you are fit and feel healthy.
High cholesterol can lead to heart attacks and strokes. A cholesterol test is an indicator of your heart health and will show you if you need to make any lifestyle changes or need treatment.
Why have a Diabetes Blood Test?
Anyone can develop diabetes! That’s why it’s important to get tested, especially if you notice any of the signs or symptoms. These aren’t always easy to spot. In fact, type 2 diabetes is often diagnosed through blood tests for other conditions or health issues instead.
The only way you can find out if you have diabetes is from a blood test that measures your blood glucose (sugar) levels.
We carry out an HbA1c test which is the main blood test used to diagnose diabetes. It tests your average blood sugar levels for the last two to three months. You don’t need to prepare for an HbA1c. It’s a quick and simple test where a small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your arm. This is different to a finger-prick test, which is a snapshot of your blood sugar levels at that moment.
Manchester University iHELP study – personalised cancer risk assessment, prevention and wellbeing.
Following on from the successful and long running Health Check Event that Bridgnorth Lions Club has been organising since 2009, we have been asked if we would assist in the above study which provides participants details of their risk factors for future disease.
The Team from Manchester University will be present at our PSA Health Check Event on 20th September to complete the registration of the guys who are willing to take part in this personalised prevention package.
It will involve answering a fairly detailed questionnaire, having a further blood test and you will be supplied with a Fitbit accelerometer which is linked to the study to enable them to monitor your activity.
Full details can be seen on the mypsatests.org.uk website and will pop up after you have booked and paid for the Tests you have selected.
Your Lions journey starts here
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Lions see a problem and take action to solve it.
They seek to understand one another and the people they serve. They build relationships that lead to opportunities. In short, when Lions serve, life improves.
If you’re ready to start your Lions journey and take the first step in becoming part of the largest service club organization, fill out the form below.
This information will be directed to Lion leaders in your area, who will then be in contact with you. We are excited for you to start your service journey!