Worried might have prostate cancer? What you need to know about the PSA test.

In this video Dr Sophie gives information about the PSA test, a blood test that can be used to help diagnose prostate problems, including prostate cancer. There are pros and cons to having this test done, so it's important to know who should be getting this test, what the results mean and what happens next if the test result is high.

Please note, Dr Sophie says the ‘urethra’, when describing the tube from the kidneys to the bladder, but this was an error as this is the ‘ureter’ (the urethra is the tube from the bladder out of the body).

References and useful resources:



Published May 2022. Reviewed August 2023. Due for re-review April 2028.

[MrVasmikey]

Mine went from 4 to 6 in one year. A biopsy indicated Gleason 9 in early stages. Lupron and radiation and I’m at 0 for seven years.

[paulw]

Hey guys my story may resonate and encourage others, so here goes. Journey started with needing 3/4 visits to bathroom every night. I did a digital self test. don’t squirm, as I felt a little area of raised flesh and went to see GP. had a biopsy and diagnosed positive with Gleason 9. PSA 17. Had an MRI, bone scan and started hormone treatment. then underwent 6 sessions of Chemo, followed by 20x Radiotherapy sessions. All a bit tough but worth it! I now have my PSA monitored every 3 months and for the last 2 readings, the reading was classed as “untraceable”. All encouraging and proof that following the steps can bring results. My journey is not over yet but I’m so pleased I took the steps I did. Don’t delay if you have worries guys, the help and support out there is superb.

[jcolumbiap]

I was told in November 1995 by a doctor to get ready for death because of prostate cancer. 5 months later I ran the Boston Marathon.
Not one question was asked about what I did every day. Training for Boston!
It is now 2024 and I have never had a problem. I wonder how many men have their prostate removed that didn’t have prostate cancer?

[yellowcake]

I just want to say - the MRI isn't a conclusive test, although I understand it's hugely beneficial in diagnosis. I had one last year and it showed a 'lesion'. I then had a biospy and was negative.

[JDinky]

Biopsies are not without risk, especially when taking them through the rectum (serious infections may result). Additionally, there is a slight risk of releasing tumor cells into the circulation with each biopsy so it is best to have a targeted biopsy with as few core samples as reasonable (i.e. sample only areas deemed significant in a contrast-enhanced MRI).

[edwardzamorski]

Thank you for this information my psa is somewhat high

[lou]

I was told i had BPH and had a HoLep procedure on 12/10. last 10 years my PSA was in the low 1. including 1.5 this past June. after the holep i then got a call that my biopsy shows cancer. Gleason 3-4 level 2. now im just diving in. i'm 61 and in great health. i ride a bike over 4k every summer, workout 5 days a week and most days eat well. i'm still 6.2 / 250 on most days. sounds like active surveillance is what i'm told i should do. but i'm seeking a 2nd opinon on my biopsy. plus i saw that perineural invasion in my findings so i want a CT /Pet scan of some kind just to give me assurance its still just in the prostate. before Holep my prostate was 60 and i'm told they removed 30cm. my holep recovery moving along well. just this cancer that got me consumed with the whats ifs..

[MaleGolfer]

Thank you for this helpful video, Dr. Sophie. Can you tell me if the "type" of MRI makes a difference in the accuracy of any indications. I'm referring to basic MRI as opposed to a 3t parametric MRI. Thanks.

[steveni]

had prostate cancer when i was 40 was told no treatment prostate had to come out or i would have had 12 to 18 months to live still have psa test every year....never wanted to die at that time if i was told i had prostate cancer now not sure if i would bother if i died ..

[graceu]

High PSA levels don't always indicate Cancer....I didn't hear you talk about the other issue with having a high PSA level and that is

[anonanon]

How many MRI informed biopsies are still negative for prostate cancer ?

[barneyclancy]

Dr Sophie, my PSA is 1.4, iam 63 back pain for 8 months, now pain in hip, blood in S……., what r the chances? iam not being believed.

[charlesblumenstock]

My psa was stable then went up and back down and you getting trus test 2:39 2:41 2:42 2:42 2:43 2:46 2:46

[torstenheling]

I’ve never had a PSA Test and I’m 64 and I’ll never have this test.

[torstenheling]

GS1 tumors (Gleason Score 1) of the prostate are NOT even considered cancer! Yet they’ve been treated as such for 30 years. Explain that.

[TinaVaughn]

That back passage test needs to be stopped and replaced with the MRI test. It's just money making for Doctors.

[andrewrivera]

Doc the PSA isn’t a very good indicator of cancer unless there are dramatic increases over short periods of time and as you said there are many factors that will raise temporary your score: sex, riding bicycle and one you did not mention a high carbohydrate diet with excessive meals during the day which spike insulin which is a cancer growth agent.

[tommac]

Ok why is this woman talking and giving advice about something which is of no concern of hers. Its not like she has or ever will experience this or even treat it. And no your psa does not necessarily rise. And 80% of men by 80 is also BS.

[TheRS]

Hard to understand you with the accent

[GregoryRowe-fjbv]

I had a PSA of 8 that went to 20 on a second test then down to 11 on a 3rd test with two months between each test. My urologist is recommending a biopsy and he is also adamant I stop Coumadin for 7 days prior. I have Factor V Leiden with a history of DVTs and have requested an MRI, given the risks of stopping the Coumadin, to get a better idea of the need for the biopsy but he is insisting on the biopsy!! May be looking for another urologist. Appreciate any feedback