PSA Test: What You Need to Know
Understanding the PSA Test
The PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen test) is a simple blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by prostate cells, in your bloodstream. Although PSA is often linked with prostate cancer screening, it isn’t exclusive to cancer — levels can rise for other reasons too.
In the UK, men aged 50 and over (and from age 45 for those at higher risk) can request a PSA test from their GP under the Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme. Before deciding to have a PSA test, it’s best to have a conversation with a healthcare professional about the benefits, risks, and your personal risk factors.
How to Prepare for a PSA Test
Getting an accurate PSA result doesn’t just depend on the blood draw — several practical steps can help avoid false results:
Avoid vigorous exercise (such as cycling or heavy lifting) for at least 48 hours before the test.
Do not ejaculate for 48 hours before the test.
Avoid anal sex or direct prostate stimulation in the days before the test.
Delay testing if you’ve had a urinary infection, prostate biopsy, catheterisation, or another prostate procedure in the past six weeks.
You can eat and drink normally: there are no special dietary restrictions.
Following these steps reduces the chance of misleading high PSA results, which can cause unnecessary anxiety or further tests.
What’s the Normal PSA Level?
There’s no single “normal” PSA number, as levels naturally rise with age and vary between individuals. However, there are guideline ranges that doctors often use to decide whether further investigation is needed:
Age GroupApproximate Upper PSA Threshold40–492.5 ng/mL50–593.5 ng/mL60–694.5 ng/mL70–796.5 ng/mL
Most men have PSA levels under 3 ng/mL, but doctors interpret results alongside age, prostate size, and overall health.
Pros and Cons of the PSA Test
Benefits
Can help detect prostate problems, including cancer, before symptoms develop.
Provides a baseline for monitoring changes in PSA over time.
Widely available and simple to perform.
Limitations
A raised PSA doesn’t always mean cancer. Many men with high PSA do not have prostate cancer.
Some cancers may not raise PSA at all, leading to false negatives.
Can detect slow-growing cancers that may never cause harm, leading to unnecessary treatment.
Further tests such as MRI or biopsy may be needed, which carry their own risks.
Because of these pros and cons, PSA testing is offered in the UK as a choice rather than a national screening programme.
Why PSA Levels Can Be Raised
An elevated PSA doesn’t automatically signal prostate cancer. Other possible reasons include:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): a common non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.
Prostatitis: inflammation or infection of the prostate.
Urinary tract infection: can temporarily raise PSA.
Recent ejaculation or exercise: both can cause a short-term increase.
Prostate procedures: such as biopsy or catheterisation, which may raise PSA for several weeks.
Age and prostate size: older men often have naturally higher PSA levels.
Making Sense of Your PSA Results
Once you receive your PSA result, your doctor will interpret it in context. Key points to remember:
One test isn’t the full picture. PSA can fluctuate, and repeat testing may be needed.
Trends are important. A steady rise over time may be more concerning than one elevated result.
Results are compared to your risk factors. Age, family history, ethnicity, symptoms, and prostate size all play a role.
Further tests may be advised. This could include an MRI scan or biopsy if your PSA remains high or continues to rise.
Next Steps if Prostate Cancer is Diagnosed
If prostate cancer is found, treatment options depend on how advanced it is, how aggressive it looks under the microscope, and your overall health. Possible next steps include:
Active surveillance: monitoring slow-growing cancers with regular tests.
Surgery: removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy).
Radiotherapy: targeted radiation to kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy or chemotherapy: to slow or control the cancer’s growth.
Newer targeted or immunotherapies: which may be suitable in some cases.
Many men diagnosed early live long, healthy lives after treatment, and some do not require immediate intervention. Decisions are made together with healthcare professionals, balancing risks and benefits.
Book The Male Cancer Health Check For A PSA Test
A PSA test is a simple step that could provide peace of mind and help detect prostate problems early, when treatment is most effective. At Optimum Health Screening, our Male Cancer Health Check includes the PSA test alongside a full review of your overall wellbeing.
Don’t wait until symptoms appear. Take charge of your health and get the clarity you deserve.
Book your appointment today with Optimum Health Screening and make your health a priority.
