PSA Blood Test Policy

Who is eligible for a PSA blood test?

At Fairview Medical Centre, we offer PSA blood testing in accordance with national guidance and informed patient choice.

You may request a PSA blood test if you:

  • Are aged 50 or over, even if you have no symptoms.
  • Are aged 45 or over and: Are of Black ethnicity, or have a family history of prostate or breast cancer.

 

The PSA test is available to anyone with a prostate, including trans women and some non-binary individuals. If you fall into any of the categories above, we encourage you to speak to a GP or healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits and limitations of the test before proceeding.

You may also be offered a PSA test if you present with urinary symptoms or other signs that may suggest a prostate problem.

 

Risk Factors: Family History and Genetics

Your family history may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. You are at higher risk if:

  • Your father or brother has had prostate cancer (2.5 times more likely).
  • You have multiple close relatives (father, brother, uncle, grandfather) with prostate cancer.
  • Relatives were diagnosed at younger ages (under 60).

 

You should inform your GP if any of your relatives have had prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer, especially if there's a known BRCA gene variant in the family.

 

BRCA Genes and Inherited Risk

Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which help protect against cancer. In some cases, inherited faults (variants) in these genes may increase cancer risk, including:

  • BRCA2 variants: Associated with a significantly increased lifetime risk of prostate cancer.
  • BRCA1 variants: May slightly increase prostate cancer risk, although evidence is less clear.

 

Those of Ashkenazi Jewish descent have a higher chance of carrying a BRCA gene variant. NHS England offers free BRCA testing to individuals aged 18+ with at least one Jewish grandparent.

For more information, visit: ·

www.jewishbrca.org

www.nhsjewishbrcaprogramme.org.uk

 

Having a BRCA gene variant does not mean you will get prostate cancer, but it does mean you may be at higher risk, and early monitoring could be advised.

 

PSA Testing Frequency
  •  Under 45 years old – PSA testing is not routinely recommended, unless clinically indicated.
  •  Aged 45 and over (asymptomatic) – Testing is available on request, following a discussion with a GP or nurse.
  • If appropriate, PSA testing may be offered once every two years unless new symptoms arise or advised otherwise by a clinician.

 

If you are unsure about your risk or whether the PSA test is right for you, please book a routine appointment to speak to a member of our clinical team.