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• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 20 >> A breakdown in communication led to him having the PSA test against his will.

In 2004 developed a urinary infection, treated with antibiotics. Reluctantly he had a PSA test which was raised (31ng per ml). The consultant said this was due to the infection. He suggested saw palmetto, which has helped reduce urinary symptoms. PSA is now lower, 10.9ng per ml.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 71-80 >> Interview 36 >> He started to pass blood in his urine so went to the doctor and had a PSA test.

Ten years ago had urinary symptoms and had TURP operation for enlarged prostate. In 2002 he found blood in his urine. His PSA was "raised" so he had a biopsy, and prostate cancer was diagnosed. This has been treated with hormones.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 71-80 >> Interview 19 >> Reads from a letter from his consultant recommending he have repeated PSA tests after his transurethral resection of the prostate.

Investigations started because of bowel problems. The specialist found retention of urine and an enlarged prostate. In March 2005, he had a trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Having found a small area of 'growth' the consultant recommended a PSA test, which was "normal".

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 27 >> His consultant wanted to do a biopsy almost immediately.

He had mild urinary symptoms. GP suggested a PSA test [4.8ng/mL]. A consultant performed a biopsy, and found some "suspicious cells", so performed another biopsy, which led to side effects. No cancer diagnosed. Symptoms improved with saw palmetto.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 27 >> He wanted to discuss how treatment might affect quality of life before agreeing to have a biopsy.

He had mild urinary symptoms. GP suggested a PSA test [4.8ng/mL]. A consultant performed a biopsy, and found some "suspicious cells", so performed another biopsy, which led to side effects. No cancer diagnosed. Symptoms improved with saw palmetto.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 27 >> He suffered elements of 'post traumatic stress' for several weeks after he passed blood in his sperm.

He had mild urinary symptoms. GP suggested a PSA test [4.8ng/mL]. A consultant performed a biopsy, and found some "suspicious cells", so performed another biopsy, which led to side effects. No cancer diagnosed. Symptoms improved with saw palmetto.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Wife >> Interview 43 >> Regrets encouraging her husband (Interview 27) to have a PSA test. Also says her husband's shocking experience affected their sexual relationship.

She encouraged her husband (interview number PSA27) to have a PSA test, but with the wisdom of hindsight she regrets this. Says that the consequences of the test (her husband's biopsy and its side-effects), affected her husband's sexual confidence for months.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 23 >> Having his wife with him when he saw the doctor helped him remember what was said about the options.

He did not have any urinary symptoms, but in 2001 he asked for a PSA test, which was found to be 5ng/ml. A biopsy was performed and prostate cancer diagnosed. He had a radical prostatectomy. His PSA is now 0.2ng/ml.