Every September, for Urology Awareness Month, The Urology Foundation raises awareness of urology diseases affecting the bladder, prostate, kidney and male reproductive system. You may have heard of a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test being used among other tests to assess for early signs of prostate cancer or other relevant prostate conditions. Read on to learn more about PSA tests and how they could help you.
The theme for Urology Awareness Month 2024 is Men’s Urology Health Urology: Myths and Legends. Through this campaign, they’re urging males to recognise when a symptom doesn’t feel right and to ‘Be a legend’ by getting it checked.
At Benenden Hospital, our private Urology Service, led by expert urology Consultants, will make sure you have a speedy diagnosis and treatment in one place. We offer a range of treatments in a comfortable and reassuring environment including PSA blood tests and three treatment options for enlarged prostate:
What is PSA?
PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen. PSA is a protein found in the male prostate gland. It naturally leaks into your blood, but this depends on a few factors such as your age and the size and health of your prostate.
What is enlarged prostate?
Mr Steve Garnett, Consultant Urologist, discusses prostate enlargement or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), what it is, what causes prostate enlargement.
What is an enlarged prostate?
Enlargement of the prostate is a very common problem affecting the vast majority of men, in fact, as we get older. So, from about the age of 50 - sometimes even a bit before - the prostate tends to enlarge. And that's called benign prostate enlargement. By the age of 80, nearly all men will have a degree of prostate enlargement.
What are the symptoms of enlarged prostate?
An enlarged prostate causes symptoms in men, which can be thought of really in two ways. Firstly, to the blockage of the flow of the urine coming out. So that might be a reduced urinary flow rate - the stream is weaker and not so strong and often can be a bit stop-start or interrupted. Occasionally, it can even be a bit uncomfortable to pass urine and you may not fully empty your bladder.
But then there's also what we think of as storage symptoms or symptoms because the blockage has affected the bladder. So that's a feeling of wanting to go more often, maybe having to rush to the toilet and often getting up at night.
What causes enlarged prostate?
Benign prostate enlargement is caused due to the effect of the male hormone testosterone on the prostate itself. So nearly all men will have prostate enlargement as they get older.
How common is an enlarged prostate?
Benign prostate enlargement is extremely common. So, most men from the age of 50 will have a degree of prostate enlargement. And by the age of 80 about 80% or more of men will have benign prostate enlargement.
What does a PSA test look for?
A PSA test is a simple blood test that detects the levels of this protein in your blood. If your levels are raised, it could indicate the presence of prostate cancer, an enlarged prostate, urinary tract infection or prostatitis. It’s important to note that it does not detect any other forms of cancer.
How accurate is a PSA test?
A PSA test isn’t always accurate, so your GP may recommend further tests to be carried out before reaching a final diagnosis. You’ll likely be referred to a Urologist, who will carry out a biopsy of prostate tissue, an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan, a urine test and/or a rectal examination.
Pros of PSA tests
- It’s a simple blood test that can help to detect fast-growing prostate cancer at an early stage
- It could help to check for prostate cancer even before you have any symptoms
- It can provide peace of mind to those who are at risk of prostate cancer (family history of prostate cancer, overweight or of black ethnic origin), as a PSA test can be carried out regularly at a time that works for you
Cons of PSA tests
- According to the NHS, one in seven men with a normal PSA level may have prostate cancer and one in 50 with a normal PSA level may have a fast-growing cancer – therefore it’s important to remember that the PSA test can miss cancer
- You could have a raised PSA level but no prostate problems
- It may cause unnecessary worry if you’re diagnosed with a slow-growing prostate cancer that’s unlikely to cause any problems or shorten your life
Should I have a PSA test?
There is no national screening programme for PSA testing due to its potential inaccuracy at detecting prostate cancer. There is an informed choice programme instead, known as prostate cancer risk management. This is aimed at healthy men aged 50 and over who ask their GP about PSA testing.
Some men may choose to have a regular PSA test every two to three years, especially if there’s an increased risk of prostate cancer. Spotting any changes in your PSA levels could then mean further tests can be taken.
What do my PSA test results mean?
The amount of PSA in your blood is measured in nanograms of PSA per millilitre of blood (ng/ml).
So, if you’re aged 50-69, a raised PSA is considered 3ng/ml or higher. But your test results should clearly explain if it’s a raised result or a normal result.
PSA testing: Early detection and next steps
If your results come back as a raised PSA level, your GP might refer you to a Urology specialist at a hospital. This can also happen if your PSA is low or normal, but you have a higher risk of prostate cancer due to predetermined factors. You may have a ‘fast-track’ referral, which means you’ll see a specialist in two weeks – to ensure you’re getting the results you need quickly.
If your GP decides you don’t need to see a specialist because there are other reasons why your PSA level is raised, you’ll be recommended another PSA test down the line to ensure any changes are spotted.
Can you get a PSA test privately?
Yes! At Benenden Hospital, we offer a range of private blood tests including a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test as part of our GP Service. Your blood test will be carried out in one of our relaxing Outpatient rooms in a quiet and discreet environment.
Taking action during Urology Awareness Month
If you’re concerned about the health of your prostate and would like your PSA levels checked, why don’t you ‘Be a legend’ this Urology Awareness Month and book an appointment with one of our Private GPs to discuss this further.
It’s easier than ever to arrange a time that suits you for your 25-minute in-person appointment, book online today to put your prostate health first.
Published on 12 September 2024