A PSA test is a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate gland. A raised PSA level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it is often caused by something else, so the result is a starting point for a conversation with a doctor rather than a diagnosis.
November is Movember, when many men think about their health for the first time in a while. If a PSA test is on your mind, this guide explains what it can and can't tell you.
What is PSA?
Prostate-specific antigen is a protein made by cells in the prostate, a small gland below the bladder. Everyone with a prostate has some PSA in their blood. The level tends to rise with age and with the size of the prostate.
What can raise your PSA level?
Prostate cancer is only one of several reasons PSA can be higher than expected. Other common causes include:
An enlarged prostate, which is very common in men over 50 and is not cancer
Inflammation or infection of the prostate
A urine infection
Ejaculation, vigorous exercise or cycling in the couple of days before the test
The NHS is clear that a high PSA does not mean you have cancer. It is also true that some prostate cancers do not raise PSA, which is why the test works best alongside a conversation about your symptoms, family history and overall risk.
Who should think about a PSA test?
There is no national screening programme that offers PSA tests to all men in the UK. In 2026 the UK National Screening Committee recommended a targeted programme of PSA testing every two years for men aged 45 to 61 who carry a harmful BRCA2 gene variant and have a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer. It did not recommend screening for all men, and said more research is needed on screening Black men.
Outside that programme, anyone with a prostate can ask their GP about a PSA test. You may want to have that conversation if:
You're over 50. According to Prostate Cancer UK, about 1 in 8 men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
You're Black. About 1 in 4 Black men in the UK will get prostate cancer, so Prostate Cancer UK suggests talking to a doctor from age 45.
Your father or brother has had prostate cancer. This makes you about two and a half times more likely to get it.
If you have symptoms, such as needing to pee more often (especially at night), difficulty starting to pee, a weak flow, or blood in your urine or semen, see your GP. These are usually caused by an enlarged prostate, but they should always be checked.
The benefits and limits of a PSA test
A PSA test can help find prostate cancer early, sometimes before it causes any symptoms. But it has limits that are worth understanding before you decide:
A raised result often isn't cancer. It can lead to repeat tests, an MRI scan and sometimes a biopsy, which can be worrying.
A normal result is reassuring, but not a guarantee. Some cancers don't raise PSA.
Some prostate cancers grow so slowly they would never cause harm. Finding them can lead to treatment that wasn't needed.
None of this means you shouldn't have a test. It means the decision is yours to make, with the facts in front of you. That's why a good PSA test starts with a conversation, not just a blood sample.
How to prepare for a PSA test
The NHS advises that for 48 hours before the test you avoid:
ejaculating
exercise that leaves you out of breath
cycling
You can eat and drink normally. If you've had a urine infection, wait 4 to 6 weeks after it clears before having the test.
What happens if your PSA is raised?
A single raised result is rarely the end of the story. Your doctor will usually:
Repeat the test to make sure the result is consistent
Look at your age, symptoms and family history
Examine the prostate, if appropriate and with your consent
Refer you for an MRI scan or to a specialist if further checks are needed
PSA testing at Clove Health in Cambridge
Our prostate health assessment costs £150 and starts with a doctor talking through whether a PSA test is right for you. It includes:
a screening questionnaire and medical assessment
a PSA blood test, repeated if clinically needed
a consultation to discuss your results, with a prostate examination if needed and only with your consent
a written report, and referral through the NHS or privately if you need further tests
Results usually come back within 48 to 72 hours. We're at 25 Station Place, next to Cambridge railway station.
Frequently asked questions
Is a PSA test painful? No. It's a standard blood test from your arm and takes a few minutes.
Can I have a PSA test if I have no symptoms? Yes. Many men have a PSA test without symptoms, after talking through the benefits and limits with a doctor.
What's a normal PSA level? There's no single cut-off that suits everyone. What counts as normal depends on your age and other factors, which is why a doctor should interpret your result.
How often should I have a PSA test? That depends on your result and your risk. Your doctor will advise on whether and when to repeat it.
Sources
NHS: PSA test
UK National Screening Committee: Prostate cancer screening recommendation
Prostate Cancer UK: Are you at risk?
This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for advice from a doctor who knows your history.
