• Clip
• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 23 >> His GP was reluctant to do the PSA test but finally agreed after explaining that the test isn't very accurate.

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.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 01 >> Explains what PSA stands for and why the test is done.

Sir Iain Chalmers practised as a medical doctor until 1973. Until recently he was a director of the UK Cochrane Centre. He is now editor of the James Lind Library www.jameslindlibrary.org.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 30 >> His thinks his GP did a PSA test as part of a routine 'check-up'. He had no symptoms.

No urinary symptoms, but he asked for a PSA test because a friend had prostate cancer and because of media coverage. PSA found to be slightly raised. In 2004, after a biopsy, cancer was diagnosed, and treated with hormones and then brachytherapy.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 06 >> For him the PSA test was no problem whatsoever; he went to work five minutes later.

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 22 >> He is adamant that the PSA test gives men a chance of surviving prostate cancer and mentions a new test.

Had repeated urinary infections. He suspected this was due to an enlarged prostate, so asked for a PSA test, but the GP refused until he had an appointment with a consultant. In 2005 PSA was "normal" for his age, 4.5 ng/ml. Symptoms treated with antibiotics and Flomax.

• 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.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 40 >> Says the PSA test is a normal blood test but is concerned about possible false positive results.

Did not have any symptoms, but having read articles about prostate cancer and the PSA test in the national press he decided to ask his GP for the test. The result was 'normal'.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 30 >> The doctor at the hospital told him not to ride a bicycle just before his PSA test.

No urinary symptoms, but he asked for a PSA test because a friend had prostate cancer and because of media coverage. PSA found to be slightly raised. In 2004, after a biopsy, cancer was diagnosed, and treated with hormones and then brachytherapy.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 40-50 >> Interview 17 >> The GP told him to avoid sex and vigorous exercise before his 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 51-60 >> Interview 27 >> Suggests that some drugs and herbal remedies may lower the PSA level in the blood.

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 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 61-70 >> Interview 08 >> His PSA result was just above 4ng/ml, 'at the top of the normal range' so the GP decided to repeat the test.

No urinary symptoms, but because of a family history of prostate cancer asked his GP for a PSA test. The result was slightly above normal. Referred to a specialist when a subsequent test showed a higher result. Prostate cancer diagnosed after a biopsy, treated with radiotherapy.

• 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.

• Condition
• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer

Publication date: March 2006          Last updated: October 2010

Review date: October 2012

 

The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test can help to detect prostate cancer. We interviewed 42 men and 1 man's wife about their experiences of PSA testing. Select from the key topics below, choose from the full list of topics, or explore all the interviews.

 

See also... Prostate cancer