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• 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 51-60 >> Interview 28 >> His GP explained that his PSA level was slightly high for a man of his age.

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 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 71-80 >> Interview 19 >> The practice thought they had mislaid his results but he felt reassured when the GP rang him to discuss them.

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 61-70 >> Interview 23 >> When he received his PSA result the GP suggested a digital rectal examination.

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 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 >> His PSA result came back from the hospital after about 10 days.

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 >> 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 14 >> He searched the Internet for information about the PSA test and prostate cancer and the arguments for and against screening.

His workplace offers regular health checks. He has not had urinary symptoms. Having carefully considered information about the PSA test and prostate cancer he has had a PSA test every two years. These tests have all been normal.

• 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 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 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 61-70 >> Interview 42 >> His GP will do a PSA test if asked but made it clear that he prefers not to do the test unless a man has urinary symptoms.

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 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 51-60 >> Interview 16 >> His GP explained that the PSA test is unreliable and that a false positive result might lead to a painful and unnecessary biopsy.

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 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 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 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 51-60 >> Interview 35 >> He expects to have three monthly PSA tests for a while so that his surgeon can check whether or not treatment has been successful.

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 40 >> The GP told him that his PSA result was in the middle of the normal range.

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 23 >> When he heard that his PSA level was slightly raised his GP was sympathetic and explained that one option was to do nothing about it.

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 28 >> His PSA test was only slightly higher than 'normal' so his GP decided to repeat the test.

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 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 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.