Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate, a small gland that sits below the bladder in males.
Whilst a high level of PSA could indicate prostate cancer, it could also indicate other conditions, such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate. So a doctor would likely want to also perform a physical examination of the prostate, and potentially other investigations.
The good news is that most prostate cancers grow very slowly and while they remain within the prostate may not be much of a problem. The bad news is that there are no symptoms so the only way to know is to test. Some other countries such as the USA recommend offering a test to men over 50 and in particular between 55 and 69.
As with any cancer the earlier it is detected, the higher the chance that it can be treated effectively.
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Prostate cancer campaign
In men, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Despite 52,300 men being diagnosed a year, and some very well documented risk categories, men continue to die with cancer that could have been successfully treated if found earlier. Please visit our campaign page for more information on prostate cancer and to sign the petition to introduce national screening.