Slow growing prostate tumours are common, nonetheless, aggressive form of prostate cancer can certainly shorten one’s lifespan. Each year in the UK about 47,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and about 11,000 die from the disease. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) screening test aims to detect prostate cancer, so that treatment can be offered early to cure cancer and extend life.
The good news is 3 in 4 cases of raised PSA level (≥3ng/ml) are in fact not contributed to prostate cancer. Raised PSA could also be due to benign enlargement of prostate gland, active urinary tract infection, recent ejaculation in the previous 48 hours, vigorous exercise in the previous 48 hours, or recent instrumentation or biopsy of the prostate gland.
Evidence suggests PSA screening could reduce prostate-cancer related mortality by up to 21%. The Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme (PCRMP) has subsequently outlined a comprehensive guidance to help asymptomatic men in taking up offer of PSA test. Men above 50 years old are recommended to have a PSA test after an informed discussion with a doctor.
Those who are at a higher risk group may consider the test even before they hit 50 years old:
Exogenous testosterone does not cause prostate cancer; however, it may speed up the process of any pre-existing prostate cancer. All men on testosterone replacement or anabolic cycle should therefore be offered regular PSA test.
At Harley Street MD, the turnover of PSA result is within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss the result with you and answer all your questions.
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