01/11/2024
1 in 8 men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and some are more at risk than others.
If you’re over 50, or men in your family have been diagnosed, you could be at higher risk.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men in the UK, with around 52,000 men diagnosed each year according to the Sky News. The number of people diagnosed has increased over the last 10 years, mainly due to the population demographic getting older.
What is Prostate-Specific Antigen?
A PSA test, or prostate-specific antigen test, is a blood test commonly utilised to screen for prostate cancer. It quantifies the concentration of PSA in the bloodstream, a protein generated by the prostate gland. The objective of this test is to identify potential abnormalities in the prostate that may indicate cancer or other prostate-related conditions.
What does a PSA test involve?
This blood test is a widely used method for detecting prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels in the blood can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.
Interpreting PSA test results involves considering various factors. Generally, a PSA level below 4 ng/mL is considered normal, while higher levels may suggest an increased risk of prostate cancer. However, elevated PSA levels do not definitively indicate cancer, as factors such as age, prostate size, and inflammation can also affect results.
Why is a PSA Test Important?
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is pivotal in detecting prostate cancer. This test measures PSA levels, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in the blood. While elevated PSA levels do not always indicate cancer, they can serve as an early warning sign of the disease.
Early detection is crucial for effectively treating prostate cancer. Regular monitoring of PSA levels through PSA screening can identify potential abnormalities at an early stage, allowing for timely medical intervention. Detecting prostate cancer early significantly enhances the likelihood of successful treatment and improves long-term outcomes for patients.
What is a normal PSA?
For men aged 50 to 69, a PSA level higher than 3 nanograms per millilitre is considered elevated. However, only one in four men with a PSA level between 4 and 10 micrograms per litre is diagnosed with prostate cancer. There are many reasons why PSA levels can be raised. A high PSA doesn’t always indicate cancer, and a lower level doesn’t guarantee that cancer is absent.
Why might your PSA levels high?
PSA levels rise naturally as men get older. Although levels can be raised in prostate cancer, raised levels may be due to prostatitis, an enlarged prostate, urinary tract infection, vigorous exercise, sexual activity or some medications. It is estimated that 75% of men with a raised PSA who are referred for further investigations have a negative prostate biopsy and therefore do not have prostate cancer.
Risk Factors
Prostate cancer is mostly diagnosed in European men over 50 years old. Unlike some other cancers, it is not strongly associated with a wide range of modifiable risk factors, but there are a few factors that are known to increase risk:
Prostate cancer is more common in Black men than in White men. It is least common in Asian men.
Your risk of prostate cancer is higher if you have a close relative who has had prostate cancer. A close relative is a:
- father
- brother
- grandfather
- uncle
According to Cancer Research, most cancers are not linked to inherited faulty genes. But some inherited faulty genes can increase your risk of prostate cancer. These inherited genes are rare and account for only a small number of cancers.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. They are important genes that stop the cells in our body from growing and dividing out of control. A fault or mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene means that the cells can grow out of control. This can lead to cancer.
People who inherit faulty versions of BRCA 2 genes have an increased risk of developing different types of cancer. This includes prostate cancer. A recent study showed that your risk of developing prostate cancer is around 2 times higher than that of the general population if you have a faulty BRCA2 gene.
The risk of developing prostate cancer may also increase with faulty BRCA1 genes. But researchers need more studies to find out for sure.
Lynch syndrome
Lynch syndrome is rare. It is caused by faults in a number of genes such as MLH1 and MLH2. People with Lynch syndrome have an increased risk of developing a number of cancers, including prostate cancer.
Researchers are looking into other genes that might also increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Obesity and overweight is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer after smoking. Obese means having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. And being overweight means having a BMI of between 25 and 30.
Being overweight or obese increases your risk of metastatic or advanced prostate cancer. Metastatic prostate cancer is a cancer that began in the prostate and has spread to another part of the body.
How to test your PSA levels?
Randox Health incorporate PSA testing across various mediums. A PSA test is included as standard in many of our full-body health check services for men, however, we also offer a dedicated PSA test and a PSA at-home test kit, meaning you can comfortably test in your own humble abode. We recommend that all men aged over 50 should consider PSA testing as PSA levels naturally rise with age.
Our Advanced PSA blood test combines a traditional PSA test with our novel Prostate Cancer Risk score to more accurately assess your risk of prostate cancer.
PSA levels can be raised by many factors including urinary tract infection (UTI) and benign prostate hyperplasia. It is estimated that almost 75% of men with raised PSA test results referred for further investigations have a negative prostate cancer biopsy.
- Simple blood test no need for invasive examinations
Our PSA test kit measures the level of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in the blood and can indicate abnormality within the prostate.
Over 52,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, with around 1 in 8 men affected in their lifetime. If detected early treatment can be very successful with 8 in 10 men surviving for more than 10 years.
- Sample Type: finger prick
Why not get a comprehensive check?
A Randox Health Everyman health check includes a PSA test, alongside 150 data points linked to your overall health. Test results will identify your PSA levels and if they are optimal or excessive, as well as a range of key areas including heart, muscle, and nutritional health. Repeat testing is included in the package to track changes to help you protect your future health.