Prostate Cancer Screening Services in the UK

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What is a screening test for prostate cancer?

Tests are used to screen for different types of cancer when a person does not have symptoms. There is no standard or routine screening test for prostate cancer. A prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) RNA test may be used for certain patients. Screening tests for prostate cancer are being studied in clinical trials.

Is prostate cancer screening a good idea?

Cancer screening tests — including the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to look for signs of prostate cancer — can be a good idea. Prostate cancer screening can help identify cancer early on, when treatment is most effective. But it isn't perfect. Some men may find that the downsides of prostate cancer screening outweigh the potential benefits.

Should men be screened for prostate cancer?

Routinely screening all men to check their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels is a controversial subject in the international medical community. There are several reasons for this. PSA tests are unreliable and can suggest prostate cancer when no cancer exists (a false-positive result).

What is a prostate cancer screening trial?

The trial will use innovative screening methods like an MRI scan and see hundreds of thousands of men across the country participating. On International Men’s Day (19 November 2023), government joins Prostate Cancer UK to unveil £42 million screening trial to find ways of detecting country’s most common male cancer earlier

Can a PSA test be used as a screening test for prostate cancer?

While the PSA test on its own isn't suitable as a screening test for prostate cancer, researchers are working to find a test, or combination of tests, that might be suitable in the future.

Should prostate cancer screening be a good idea?

Screening tests are not perfect and have some risks. The screening programme should also be good value for money for the NHS. The UK National Screening Committee doesn’t currently recommend screening for prostate cancer. This is because the PSA test is not reliable enough to detect prostate cancer that needs treatment.

What Is Prostate Cancer Screening

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/psa-testing/
2. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/getting-diagnosed/screening
3. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/screening.htm

Prostate Cancer Screening Information

1. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prostate-specific-antigen-testing-description-in-brief
2. https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/psa-blood-test
3. https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/patient/prostate-screening-pdq
4. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1175163/PCRMP_patient_info_sheet_update_March_2022_v2.pdf