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Testing for prostate cancer

A PSA test can detect prostate cancer early but can also cause false alarms and overdiagnosis. Testing without symptoms is therefore a personal choice after explanation of the chance of benefit, further tests and potential harm; symptoms such as inability to urinate, bone pain or bleeding require diagnostic assessment and are not ordinary screening.

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A PSA test can detect prostate cancer early but can also cause false alarms and overdiagnosis. Testing without symptoms is therefore a personal choice after explanation of the chance of benefit, further tests and potential harm; symptoms such as inability to urinate, bone pain or bleeding require diagnostic assessment and are not ordinary screening.

  • Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms; screening specifically targets people without symptoms.
  • Difficulty starting urination, a weak stream and frequent urination are more often due to benign enlargement.
  • Before a PSA test, ask what a normal, raised or unclear result might mean.
  • Mention urinary symptoms, family history, medicines and recent infection or a procedure.
  • Make an appointment for shared decision-making if you are considering PSA screening, especially with increased family or inherited risk.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Further reading

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H
Health checks and testsA health test may detect a risk or disease before symptoms appear, but not every test is useful for everyone. A result may be a false positive or false negative and lead to unnecessary further tests or false reassurance. Age, personal risks, symptoms and whether early treatment really helps should determine which screening is worthwhile.
P
Prostate cancerProstate cancer develops from cells in the prostate and often grows slowly, but some forms are aggressive. PSA can help with detection and monitoring, but is not specific to cancer; diagnosis usually requires MRI and tissue examination.
C
Cervical screening and HPV self-samplingA cervical smear and a validated self-sampling kit can detect high-risk HPV before cervical cancer causes symptoms. A positive self-test always requires an agreed medical follow-up step; in the Dutch programme, a cervical smear follows to assess cervical cells. Screening is for people without symptoms and never replaces assessment of bleeding, unusual discharge or pelvic pain.