Men: What's Your PSA Reading?

Female breast cancer rightly achieves high levels of prominence in the minds of the British public and fundraising efforts are very enthusiastically supported.

However, it might surprise you to learn that, at 46,690 cases in 2014, the incidence of prostate cancer runs a very close second place to female breast cancer's 54,800 cases in the UK in the same year (more details here).

Currently prostate cancer is more common in men than lung and bowel cancer. Some 11,000 men die annually of this disease and it can be a 'silent killer' as often there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages.

Early diagnosis is vital.

A simple blood test, the PSA test, is the best indicator of the possibility of prostate cancer and all men over the age of 50 should consider having an annual test.

What is the PSA test?

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by normal cells in the prostate and also by prostate cancer cells. It's normal for men to have a small amount of PSA in their blood, and the amount rises as an individual gets older and the prostate gets bigger. A raised PSA level may suggest a prostate problem, but not necessarily cancer.

You can find out more about the test and its implication by clicking on the PDF located below the image on this page

The Aylesbury Prostate Support Group, which covers this area, is running a free PSA Test day at the Aylesbury Masonic Hall, Ripon Street, Aylesbury on Saturday 1st April, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

The Group is chaired by local resident, Brian Cole, who will be happy to make appointments.

You can contact Brian by email: jbcoleuk@aol.com or Telephone: 01844 291876.