At Westongrove Partnership, we want our patients to understand prostate cancer and how it can be detected. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, and while many cases grow slowly and cause no problems, some can be more serious.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small gland in men, located just below the bladder.
It helps make the fluid that carries sperm.
Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way.
Who is at Risk?
Your risk increases if:
- You have a father or brother who had prostate cancer
- You are over 50
- You are Black or African-Caribbean (risk is higher and cancer may develop earlier)
Is There Screening?
Unlike breast, cervical, or bowel cancer, there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer.
However, there is a PSA blood test (Prostate-Specific Antigen) that can sometimes help detect problems.
Men over 50 can request a PSA test after discussing the pros and cons with their GP.
The PSA test isn’t perfect — a high level doesn’t always mean cancer, and some cancers may not raise PSA.
Because of this, the NHS does not routinely screen all men.
PSA Blood Test – At a Glance
The PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein made by the prostate. A raised PSA level can be a sign of prostate problems, including cancer, but it does not always mean cancer.
Possible Benefits
- Can help find prostate cancer at an early stage, before symptoms develop.
- A simple blood test, available at your GP surgery.
- If prostate cancer is found early, treatment may be more successful.
Possible Downsides
- A raised PSA does not always mean cancer – it can be caused by an enlarged prostate, infection, or even recent exercise or sex.
- Some cancers may be missed (a normal PSA doesn’t rule it out).
- Further tests (like a biopsy) may be needed if PSA is high – these can have side effects such as infection, bleeding, or discomfort.
- Some prostate cancers grow very slowly and never cause harm – finding them may lead to treatment you don’t really need, with possible side effects (like problems with urine flow or erections).
Things to Consider
- There is no national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK.
- Men over 50 have the right to request a PSA test after discussing the pros and cons with a GP or nurse.
- It’s a personal choice – some men prefer to know, others prefer not to test unless they have symptoms.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Many men with early prostate cancer don’t have symptoms. But see your GP if you notice:
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- A weak flow of urine
- Feeling your bladder hasn’t emptied fully
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
These symptoms are often caused by a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, but it’s important to check.
Reducing Your Risk
There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, but steps for good health include:
- Not smoking
- Keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet, rich in fruit and vegetables
What You Can Do
Be aware of your risk, especially if you’re over 50, Black, or have a family history.
Speak to your GP if you have symptoms or would like to discuss the PSA test.
Ask about lifestyle advice or support if you’d like to lower your risk.