Prostate tests
There are 2 screening tests for prostate cancer. They are a blood test called a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examination (DRE), examination of the prostate by a doctor using his or her finger.
What is the PSA test?
This is a simple blood test that measures the level of a protein called prostate specific antigen in the blood. A GP usually performs this test.
A high PSA level (above 4 is usually considered high) generally indicates some form of prostate disease. The PSA test will tell you that there might be a problem with the prostate gland, but not necessarily that you have prostate cancer. As many as two-thirds of men with a high PSA level will turn out not to have prostate cancer, and some men with a normal PSA will have prostate cancer.
The PSA test is useful for monitoring the progress of confirmed prostate cancer, especially advanced prostate cancer.
What is a DRE?
When a doctor does a DRE, digital rectal examination, he or she inserts a gloved finger into your rectum to feel your prostate gland. If the doctor finds something suspicious, such as an enlargement, a lump, or any irregularity in the shape or texture of the prostate, further tests will be carried out. The DRE test is not very accurate and will miss many early prostate cancers.
Tests to confirm prostate cancer
If your doctor suspects that you may have prostate cancer after doing a PSA test or DRE, you will usually be referred to a specialist doctor called a urologist.
The urologist may recommend that you have a biopsy to find out whether it is cancer. A biopsy involves having very small pieces of your prostate taken out by a needle so it can be checked under a microscope. To find out if the cancer has spread a bone scan or special x-ray known as a computerised tomography (CT) scan, may be taken.
For further information and advice, call the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20.
Last Reviewed: 08 November 2001
