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• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 33 >> He noticed that his urine stream had become weaker so he consulted his GP.

In 1996 he consulted his GP because his urinary flow wasn't as powerful as previously. Investigations, including a blood test and biopsy, indicated prostate cancer with metastases in bones. He is treated intermittently with hormones. He also finds spiritual healing helpful.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 10 >> He thinks he is not at high risk of prostate cancer and would be disinclined to have a test without symptoms.

He has not had any urinary symptoms. Has looked at information about the PSA test and has decided that he would only have a test if he developed symptoms.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 18 >> Has had some urinary symptoms but has decided not to have a PSA test for now because it is not reliable.

Mild urinary symptoms led to a consultation with his GP. Having received information and discussed the situation he decided not to have a PSA test for the moment, mainly because of the uncertainty surrounding the PSA test; that it can not reliably diagnose prostate cancer.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 02 >> A surgeon explains that when a man consults a doctor with symptoms, a PSA test might be done to help to find a diagnosis.

As a clinical academic who has been involved with screening for cancer in other sites, he felt he was in a good position to judge (when considering screening for prostate cancer) that the potential for harm outweighed the potential for benefit.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 06 >> He had a PSA test because he had urinary symptoms but his doctor didn't explain exactly what the test might indicate.

In 2004, developed frequency, so had a PSA test which was "on the limit". In March 2005, had difficulty passing urine. Had another PSA test, and has not yet had the results.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 04 >> Urinary symptoms and pain were probably due to a urinary infection and to benign enlargement of the prostate.

In 1999, aged 62, he developed painful urinary symptoms. PSA was slightly above normal. Symptoms cleared up with antibiotics. Since then yearly PSA tests have been normal. Family history of prostate cancer.

• 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 61-70 >> Interview 39 >> He had lost weight and had mild erectile problems. His PSA test showed that it was raised, so the doctor suggested a biopsy.

He had lost weight and had erectile problems. In 2004, at his annual check up, he asked for a PSA test, which was slightly raised. After a biopsy he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and treated with hormones and brachytherapy.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 07 >> He decided to have a PSA test because of a family history of prostate cancer and mild urinary symptoms.

About 2000 developed mild urinary symptoms and asked for a PSA test, which was normal. A test in 2004 was also normal. Father had prostate cancer.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 24 >> Testicular problems in the past made him worry that he might develop testicular cancer or prostate cancer.

Having had testicular problems in the past, and having experienced mild urinary symptoms recently, he was worried that he might be at risk of prostate cancer. In 2004 his GP suggested a PSA test. The result was "normal".

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 71-80 >> Interview 38 >> His PSA was abnormal but having discussed it with his GP he decided to repeat the test after six months before doing anything else.

He had mild urinary symptoms, and backache. Knowing that bone pain can be due to the spread of prostate cancer he asked his GP for a PSA test. This was "raised", but when repeated six months later was lower, so he was reassured.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 40-50 >> Interview 17 >> The GP referred him to a consultant because he had urinary symptoms and a slightly raised PSA.

In 2003 had urinary symptoms for about three months, and so asked for a PSA test, which was found to be slightly raised. Referred to a specialist, who diagnosed a urinary infection. This was treated and the PSA returned to normal.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 42 >> Argues that GP's should tell men about the PSA test because men may have prostate cancer without having symptoms and symptoms are confusing.

Six months ago he decided not to have a PSA test, partly because he did not have urinary symptoms, and his GP was not in favour of doing it. Since then he has changed his mind, mainly due to peer pressure, and will probably have the test in the next few months.

• Topic
• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Symptoms >> Symptoms

Why some men have had a PSA test - symptoms

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 71-80 >> Interview 34 >> He went to his GP because he had to pass urine frequently.

He had urinary symptoms for about 5 years, and in February 2005 had a PSA test which was slightly raised. After a biopsy, prostate cancer was diagnosed and treated with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). He recovered quickly from the operation with few side effects and little discomfort.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 40-50 >> Interview 17 >> He had to pass urine frequently, so consulted his GP and had a PSA test.

In 2003 had urinary symptoms for about three months, and so asked for a PSA test, which was found to be slightly raised. Referred to a specialist, who diagnosed a urinary infection. This was treated and the PSA returned to normal.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 40-50 >> Interview 17 >> Suggests that if a man has urinary symptoms a PSA test is a useful way to start investigations.

In 2003 had urinary symptoms for about three months, and so asked for a PSA test, which was found to be slightly raised. Referred to a specialist, who diagnosed a urinary infection. This was treated and the PSA returned to normal.