Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is still one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, with more men dying from it that women from breast cancer. Diagnosing early prostate cancer remains challenging although recent advances including MRI and fusion transperineal biopsies are now available in addition to routine PSA testing.
There also have been significant advances in treatments for prostate cancer including newer chemotherapy agents, advances in radiotherapy techniques as well as the availability of robotic surgery in Newcastle.
Elevated PSA & Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is difficult to diagnose at an early stage when it is more likely to be treatable as there are no warning signs beforehand. Often the local doctor will organise a yearly PSA blood test after the age of 50. If it is elevated, usually a referral to a urologist is made for a discussion regarding further testing.
The PSA measures the risk of prostate cancer, but unfortunately does not diagnose it, as there are other reasons that the PSA may rise. If the PSA is elevated, it means that the risk of having prostate cancer is higher than the general population. However, a biopsy of the prostate is required to confirm whether prostate cancer is present.