A simple blood test to spot prostate cancer
If you are over the age of 40, getting a prostate blood test is highly recommended, especially since prostate cancer is a significant global health concern. In England, it is now one of the most common cancers among men, with a 25% increase in cases between 2019 and 2023.
In 2022, a total of 50,751 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in England, and in 2023, there was a similar trend, with 55,033 men getting a prostate cancer diagnosis. And the numbers are rising. Therefore, if you are over 40, getting tested is vital.
But what does “getting checked” actually involve?
Is it complicated? Is it something that will throw off your daily schedule? Let’s break it down.
Why Prostate Cancer Should Be On Every Man’s Radar
It is important to note that prostate cancer is often called a “silent” disease because it typically develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the prostate is located deep in the pelvis, early tumours may not cause pain or urinary symptoms. When symptoms do arise (like increased urinary frequency, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine), it may already be more advanced.
Therefore, many men feel completely healthy even as the disease progresses, which is precisely why proactive testing matters. According to Prostate Cancer UK, Andrew Loughran is one of the many men whose lives have been changed for the better thanks to early prostate cancer detection.
And, according to the American Cancer Society, men whose prostate cancer is detected early have an excellent outlook. In fact, the 5-year relative survival rate for these early-stage cases is over 99%.
Prostate testing involves a straightforward PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test that aids in early diagnosis, and it is no more invasive than a typical blood test. It is a quick procedure that requires taking a standard blood sample, which is then sent to a lab for analysis.
A Stockholm3 test also provides a more accurate assessment of prostate cancer risk than a PSA test alone, making it especially valuable for men who want a clearer and more reliable understanding of their personal risk.
Other key risk factors for developing prostate cancer (other than age) include ethnicity (as black men have been shown to have a higher risk and disproportionately worse outcomes) and family history (for example, having a father or brother with prostate cancer increases your risk).
According to The Guardian, a recent analysis found that Black men in England are more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer (stage III or IV) and are less likely to receive life-saving treatment.
And according to Andrew Loughran, who spoke to Prostate Cancer UK, at 56, he had a “gut feeling” he should get a PSA blood test because his dad had been diagnosed a few years earlier. After using the online Risk Checker in 2022, he learned that his risk was higher than average, so he chose to speak with his GP.
Even without symptoms, Andrew went ahead with a PSA test, a decision that led to an early diagnosis in June 2022. He later received successful brachytherapy treatment, and his PSA levels have dropped significantly. Early action enabled Andrew to treat the cancer quickly and effectively, demonstrating the power of early testing.
What To Expect From A PSA Test
Prostate‑Specific Antigen is a protein produced by both normal and malignant prostate cells. Therefore, a PSA blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in a man’s blood. However, a high PSA is not a diagnosis on its own, but the test is a highly effective tool to help assess your prostate health.
While men can request a PSA test via the NHS, there are some limitations in practice. According to Prostate Cancer UK, public health GPs are not allowed to bring up prostate cancer testing on their own, even for men at higher risk. Because of this, many men might not be offered the test or may not know they can ask for it.
“GPs aren’t currently allowed to raise the issue of prostate cancer and testing, even with the men who have the highest risk of getting it – something we’re asking the government to change right now.” – Chiara De Biase, Director of Health Services, Equity and Improvement.
This is where private GP appointments make a difference. With private PSA testing, your GP often has more time and flexibility to listen to your concerns, discuss your individual risk, and provide personalised guidance.
In a private setting, you can proactively request a PSA test as part of a men’s or prostate health check, rather than waiting for symptoms to appear or for age-based prompts. This gives you more control over your health.
Private healthcare also often offers faster follow-up. Once your PSA test is done, you may be referred quickly for further investigations, such as an MRI or biopsy, helping you get answers and peace of mind sooner.
Having a regular private GP also allows for consistent monitoring over time. If your PSA is slightly elevated or borderline, your doctor can carefully track changes, helping detect trends early rather than reacting to a single test result.
Why Many Men Wait
The reality is, many men are simply unaware that they can request a PSA test, or do not realise how common prostate cancer has become. Never mind the fear and stigma associated with it.
However, it is important to remember that early diagnosis can change your life. Whether you receive a clean bill of health or are diagnosed with prostate cancer early, as Andrew Loughran put it:
“There’s a lot of people who say they don’t feel the same after a cancer diagnosis, and I agree, it changes you. You appreciate things more. Doing things you like, listening to music, I’m learning to play the drums. Not putting off until tomorrow what you can do today!”
A privilege every man deserves.
How Private Healthcare Bridges The Gap
Given these barriers, private GP appointments offer a real opportunity to take control of prostate health:
- Patient-led conversation: In a private consultation, men can bring up prostate testing without waiting for their GP to initiate.
- Shared decision-making: A knowledgeable GP can explain the benefits, risks, and trade-offs of PSA testing, helping men make informed decisions.
- Faster access to diagnostics: Private healthcare often affords quicker referral for MRI scans or specialist urology review if PSA is elevated, minimising anxiety and wait times.
- Personalised monitoring: For men with borderline PSA levels, private follow-up allows for individualised schedules (e.g., retest in 6 months, track trends over time).
Taking Control Of Your Prostate Health
For men over 40, considering a prostate check is not just a precaution; it is a wise, proactive health choice.
Naturally, no medical test is perfect, and PSA testing comes with some known drawbacks. But many of these risks can be managed effectively, especially in a private GP context.
Use this as an opportunity to discuss your prostate cancer risk with your GP, and book a PSA test if you are worried. There is no denying that early detection can change your life. And even if your test is normal, set a plan for re-testing (e.g., annually or every few years) to monitor trends.
By arranging a private GP appointment focused on prostate health, discussing your risk, and getting a PSA test, you are taking control, you can move from uncertainty to knowledge, and, if needed, early intervention.
Early detection saves lives. A simple blood test and a timely conversation with your doctor make all the difference. And as Andrew Loughran puts it:
“Don’t put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”
