PSA Test Information
A PSA test is a blood test to help check for prostate conditions such as prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate.
The prostate is a small, walnut-size gland under the bladder and behind the penis. It produces a thick fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen.
Why a PSA test is done:
A PSA test checks the level of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. High levels may be a sign of a prostate condition.
Testing may be recommended If you are over 50y.
If you are over 45y and are Black or have a close family history of prostate cancer.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
- needing to pee more frequently, often during the night
- needing to rush to the toilet
- difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)
- straining or taking a long time while peeing
- weak flow
- feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
- blood in urine or blood in semen
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it’s easier to treat.
You can check your risk on the prostate risk checker here.
If you’re a trans woman or non-binary, your risk may be different – read the information for trans and non-binary people. Can trans women get prostate cancer? | Prostate Cancer UK
