Prostate Cancer Screening Tests - Detecting Prostate Health Issues

Prostate cancer screening tests are medical tests used to detect the presence of prostate cancer or other prostate conditions. These tests may include the PSA test, digital rectal exam (DRE), and imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound.

Prostate Cancer Screening Tests FAQ

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What tests are used to screen for prostate cancer?

Two tests that are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer are described below. A blood test called a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer.

What is a prostate-specific antigen test?

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made mostly by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer.

Is prostate cancer screening a good idea?

Cancer screening tests — including the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to look for signs of prostate cancer — can be a good idea. Prostate cancer screening can help identify cancer early on, when treatment is most effective. But it isn't perfect. Some men may find that the downsides of prostate cancer screening outweigh the potential benefits.

Should I get a PSA test for prostate cancer?

Some men get a PSA test to screen for prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor, learn what is involved, and decide if a PSA test is right for you. Cancer screening means looking for cancer before it causes symptoms.

What tests are used to check if you have prostate cancer?

Read about the tests and checks used to see if you have prostate cancer or another prostate problem. They include the PSA blood test, digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate biopsy and scans. We also explain what your results might mean.

What is a PSA test for prostate cancer?

The results are usually reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood. The blood level of PSA is often elevated in people with prostate cancer, and the PSA test was originally approved by the FDA in 1986 to monitor the progression of prostate cancer in men who had already been diagnosed with the disease.

Should prostate cancer screening be a good idea?

Screening tests are not perfect and have some risks. The screening programme should also be good value for money for the NHS. The UK National Screening Committee doesn’t currently recommend screening for prostate cancer. This is because the PSA test is not reliable enough to detect prostate cancer that needs treatment.

Should men be screened for prostate cancer?

Routinely screening all men to check their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is a controversial subject in the international medical community. There are several reasons for this. PSA tests are unreliable and can suggest prostate cancer when no cancer exists (a false-positive result).