Get tested
A PSA test is a blood test. Ten minutes. Free.
You don't need symptoms. You don't need a reason. If you're a Black man over 45 — or any man over 50 — you can ask your GP for one and they should give it to you.
Who's at higher risk
- You're Black — 1 in 4 chance, double the risk of white men
- Your father or brother had it — your risk is 2½ times higher
- You're over 50 — risk rises with age
- Your mother or sister had breast cancer — can raise your risk too
Symptoms — but don't wait for them
Early prostate cancer usually has none. Later signs: needing to pee more often, especially at night · a weak flow or straining · feeling your bladder hasn't emptied · blood in urine or semen · pain in your back, hips or pelvis. Any of these — see your GP this week.
How to ask your GP (say this)
"I'd like a PSA test. I'm {Black / over 50 / have a family history} so I'm at higher risk of prostate cancer, and I've made an informed decision to have the test."
That last sentence matters. Under NHS rules, if you've made an informed decision, they should give you the test.
What happens next
- Blood test at the surgery — results in about a week
- If PSA is raised, an MRI scan
- Only if the MRI shows something, a biopsy
Most raised PSAs are not cancer. But you don't find out by not testing.
Check your risk in 30 seconds
Prostate Cancer UK risk checker →Do you know your risk?
Good. Still book a PSA test at 50 — or 45 if you're Black.
Questions to take to your doctor
- What's my PSA number, and what's normal for my age?
- Given my ethnicity and family history, how often should I test?
- If it's raised, what happens next and how quickly?
- Can I have a copy of my results?
This page is general information from Prostate Cancer UK and the NHS, not medical advice. Talk to your GP.