• Topic
• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Encouraged by family, friends and the media >> Encouraged by family, friends and the media

Why some men have had a PSA test - encouraged by family, friends and the media

• Clip
• Cancer >> The PSA test for prostate cancer >> Age 61-70 >> Interview 30 >> The death of a friend, local radio, and articles in magazines and newspapers also influenced him to have the 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 61-70 >> Interview 22 >> His local radio station provides information about prostate cancer and puts people in touch with others who can answer questions.

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 51-60 >> Interview 27 >> He had a PSA test partly because he and his wife were influenced by articles written in the Times newspaper.

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 41 >> He knows that treatment for prostate cancer isn't 'foolproof' and that it may be 'quite invasive'.

Has not had urinary symptoms and does not have a family history of prostate cancer. As a medical doctor he has had good access to information about the PSA test and has decided not to have one.