• Clip
• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 30 >> Having considered all the many treatment options he chose to have brachytherapy.

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 23 >> After his consultant explained all the treatment options he chose prostatectomy.

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 51-60 >> Interview 10 >> He found the information about the PSA test useful, particularly a booklet from Cancerbackup.

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 61-70 >> Interview 39 >> He decided that he wanted a PSA test and requested one from his practice nurse.

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 51-60 >> Interview 16 >> His GP gave him detailed information which helped him decide not to have the PSA test

He has not had urinary symptoms, but asked his GP for a PSA test when two friends developed prostate cancer. He decided not to have the test (at the moment), having heard that it is not reliable, and that the biopsy can be painful.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 40-50 >> Interview 09 >> He decided to have a PSA test when his father-in-law developed prostate cancer.

He became worried about prostate cancer when his father-in-law developed the disease. In January 2005 he asked his GP for a PSA test, and is still waiting for the results.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 31 >> He did not remember receiving much information about the PSA test. His GP said it was 'crucial' that he had one.

He had urinary symptoms. The GP found he had an 'enlarged' prostate, and did a PSA test, which was 'raised'. He was referred to the hospital, where he had a biopsy, which was negative. Symptoms treated with Finasteride and Flomax.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 03 >> He wished he had talked to a trained counsellor before he had the PSA test.

Worried about raised PSA. Had a biopsy but no diagnosis of cancer.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 40 >> His GP agreed to his request for a PSA test without much discussion.

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 71-80 >> Interview 38 >> He consulted his GP with symptoms. The GP did a PSA test without explaining much about it.

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 51-60 >> Interview 13 >> He received information about the PSA test when he took part in a university research study.

Has decided not to have a PSA test, mainly because he has no urinary symptoms, and because there is so much uncertainty about the PSA test and the treatments for prostate cancer, and because treatments have serious side-effects.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 20 >> His GP advised him not to have a PSA test unless there were clear reasons for suspecting prostate cancer.

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 40-50 >> Interview 12 >> If symptoms developed he would ask his GP for a PSA test.

No urinary symptoms. Found out about the PSA test via a university research study. Has looked carefully at detailed information about the test and would have a test if it were offered.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 11 >> The information he received convinced him that if he developed symptoms he would ask his GP for a PSA test.

No urinary symptoms. Has seen information about the PSA test and would have a test if it were offered.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 05 >> He would have a PSA test if it were offered because he thought if he turned it down he might later regret his decision.

Has never had urinary symptoms and has not had a PSA test. Has read about the PSA test and would have a test if it were offered

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 71-80 >> Interview 25 >> Quotes information from a leaflet his GP gave him, called 'PSA testing for prostate cancer'. He found it useful.

He has had urinary symptoms (frequency) since 2003. His GP suggested regular PSA tests. In 2005 the PSA result was 6.9ng/ml. His GP reassured him that there was no need for further action. He has not needed treatment for symptoms.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 35 >> Discovered that GPs have very different views about the value of the PSA test, but decided to have one anyway.

He decided to have a PSA test because of a family history of prostate cancer. The PSA result was slightly raised, so he had a biopsy. Cancer was diagnosed. In May 2005 he had a radical prostatectomy.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 16 >> Recognises that men may have prostate cancer but die of something else.

He has not had urinary symptoms, but asked his GP for a PSA test when two friends developed prostate cancer. He decided not to have the test (at the moment), having heard that it is not reliable, and that the biopsy can be painful.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 18 >> His GP discussed the advantages and disadvantages of having a PSA test. He decided not to have one now.

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 40-50 >> Interview 09 >> He asked for a PSA test. He had no symptoms but was tested without getting written information or advice.

He became worried about prostate cancer when his father-in-law developed the disease. In January 2005 he asked his GP for a PSA test, and is still waiting for the results.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 03 >> He had the PSA test primarily to humour his urologist. The result left him feeling extremely anxious.

Worried about raised PSA. Had a biopsy but no diagnosis of cancer.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 03 >> Suggests that having a PSA test requires very informed consent, in the same way that patients have to give informed consent to an HIV test.

Worried about raised PSA. Had a biopsy but no diagnosis of cancer.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 35 >> The decision to have a PSA test was made with the help of his wife and GP. He knew the test might lead to further investigations.

He decided to have a PSA test because of a family history of prostate cancer. The PSA result was slightly raised, so he had a biopsy. Cancer was diagnosed. In May 2005 he had a radical prostatectomy.

• 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 61-70 >> Interview 42 >> Thinks he is at low risk for prostate cancer but is weighing up the pros and cons of having the PSA test.

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.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 13 >> His father had prostate cancer for years but wasn't aware of it. His father's experience has influenced his decision not to have a PSA test.

Has decided not to have a PSA test, mainly because he has no urinary symptoms, and because there is so much uncertainty about the PSA test and the treatments for prostate cancer, and because treatments have serious side-effects.

• 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 08 >> He is convinced that treatment must be beneficial even though his surgeon has told him that this hasn't been proved.

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 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.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 35 >> He was given four options: 'do nothing', a radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy or hormone treatment. He chose prostatectomy.

He decided to have a PSA test because of a family history of prostate cancer. The PSA result was slightly raised, so he had a biopsy. Cancer was diagnosed. In May 2005 he had a radical prostatectomy.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 39 >> The surgeon wanted to operate but he decided to have a short course of hormone therapy to shrink the tumour followed by brachytherapy.

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 71-80 >> Interview 34 >> His doctors told him about treatment options, and said he could take part in a trial of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

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 71-80 >> Interview 34 >> Explains what is meant by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and how it is used to treat prostate cancer.

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 51-60 >> Interview 28 >> After looking for information about treatment options he decided to opt for radiotherapy.

No urinary symptoms, but felt tired. His GP suggested a PSA test. The PSA was raised, so he was referred to a consultant, who performed a biopsy. Prostate cancer was diagnosed, and treated with 3D conformal radiotherapy in 2005.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 71-80 >> Interview 36 >> Treatment options were limited. His consultant suggested hormone treatment, which he accepted.

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 07 >> Suggests that the UK doesn't have a national screening programme partly because if cancer is diagnosed men have to face difficult choices about treatm

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 61-70 >> Interview 08 >> Suggests there is no UK screening programme because of false positive results, because some cancers are very slow growing, and because of cost.

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 51-60 >> Interview 13 >> Screening may cause unnecessary anxiety, particularly since prostate cancer can be 'unproblematic' or 'dormant', over a considerable period.

Has decided not to have a PSA test, mainly because he has no urinary symptoms, and because there is so much uncertainty about the PSA test and the treatments for prostate cancer, and because treatments have serious side-effects.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 51-60 >> Interview 28 >> Says that men over 50 should be screened for prostate cancer because the disease destroys families.

No urinary symptoms, but felt tired. His GP suggested a PSA test. The PSA was raised, so he was referred to a consultant, who performed a biopsy. Prostate cancer was diagnosed, and treated with 3D conformal radiotherapy in 2005.

• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 22 >> He remembers nursing men in the 1960's when they died a painful death from prostate cancer and argues that the PSA test is useful.

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 61-70 >> Interview 01 >> Explains that men are taking part in a large controlled trial to compare three different options; surgery, radiotherapy and active monitoring.

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.