In short: A PSA test is a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate. A raised level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it is more often caused by an enlarged prostate, infection, recent ejaculation or exercise, and some cancers do not raise PSA. There is no screening programme for all men in the UK. Men can discuss the test with a GP and choose whether to have it, and from 2027 England plans targeted screening for men with a BRCA2 gene variant and a relevant family history.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains who may benefit from a PSA test, how to prepare, what results mean, and the current UK position on prostate cancer screening.

What is a PSA test?

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is produced by normal prostate cells and by prostate cancer cells. A small amount leaks into the blood, and the test measures this in nanograms per millilitre (ng/ml). PSA naturally rises with age and prostate size, so results are interpreted against age-related thresholds rather than a single cut-off.

Who should consider a PSA test?

Men with symptoms such as needing to pass urine more often or at night, a weak flow, blood in the urine or semen, or erection problems. A GP may recommend a PSA test as part of the assessment.
Men aged 50 and over without symptoms can ask for a test after discussing the possible benefits and harms, an approach called informed choice.
Men at higher risk, including Black men and men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer, may wish to discuss testing from 45.
Men with a BRCA2 gene variant and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer, who will be offered regular screening under the new targeted programme.

What is the UK position on prostate cancer screening?

In May 2026, after a public consultation, the UK National Screening Committee recommended against screening all men with PSA tests, because the test would lead to many false alarms and to men being diagnosed and treated for slow-growing cancers that would never have caused harm. It recommended targeted screening for men with a BRCA2 gene variant and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer, with a PSA test every two years between the ages of 45 and 61.

The committee did not recommend screening for Black men or for men with a family history alone, as the evidence of benefit was not yet strong enough. In June 2026 the government accepted the recommendation; the programme is expected to start in England in 2027, and the TRANSFORM trial is being expanded to gather more evidence, including in Black men. Men outside the targeted group can still discuss PSA testing with a GP.

What are the pros and cons of a PSA test?

Possible benefits	Possible harms
May find prostate cancer before symptoms, when treatment is more likely to work	A raised result is often not cancer, which can cause worry and further tests
A normal result can be reassuring	A normal result does not completely rule out cancer
Can help monitor known prostate conditions	May find slow-growing cancers that would never cause problems, leading to treatment side effects such as incontinence or erection problems

How should I prepare for a PSA test?

NHS advice is to avoid the following for 48 hours before the test, as they can raise PSA:

ejaculation
vigorous exercise, especially cycling
anal sex or prostate stimulation

If you have a urine infection, wait until 4 to 6 weeks after it has cleared. Tell your clinician if you have had a prostate biopsy or procedure recently, or take medicines for an enlarged prostate such as finasteride or dutasteride, as these lower PSA. You can eat and drink normally.

What do PSA results mean?

Within the expected range for your age: prostate cancer is less likely, though not impossible. Your clinician will advise if and when to repeat it, especially if you have symptoms or risk factors.
Raised for your age: the test may be repeated, and other causes such as infection or an enlarged prostate considered. If it remains raised, or if you have symptoms, you should be referred to a urology team.
Rising over time: a steady rise between tests may be more significant than a single result.

The next step after a raised PSA is usually an MRI scan of the prostate. A biopsy is only recommended if the scan or other findings suggest it is needed. Many men with a raised PSA turn out not to have cancer, or have a low-risk cancer that can be safely monitored.

What else can raise PSA?

benign prostate enlargement, which is very common with age
prostatitis or a urine infection
recent ejaculation, vigorous exercise or cycling
a recent catheter, prostate biopsy or surgery

PSA testing in Wigan and Standish

Ready Health in Standish, near Wigan, offers PSA testing as part of a men's health appointment or private blood test. A clinician will discuss whether the test is right for you, explain how to prepare and talk through your result. If your result is raised or you have symptoms, we will explain the next steps and, with your consent, share results with your NHS GP so you can be referred appropriately.

Frequently asked questions

What is a normal PSA level?

There is no single normal level, because PSA rises with age. Laboratories and clinicians use age-related thresholds to decide whether a result needs further investigation.

Can I have a PSA test on the NHS?

Yes. Men can discuss a PSA test with their GP and choose to have one after talking through the pros and cons. Routine screening is not offered to all men, but targeted screening for men with a BRCA2 variant and relevant family history is planned in England from 2027.

Does a high PSA mean I have cancer?

No. Most men with a raised PSA do not have prostate cancer. An enlarged prostate, infection and recent activity are common causes. Further tests, usually starting with an MRI scan, are needed.

Are Black men offered prostate screening?

The 2026 recommendation does not include screening for Black men as a group, because more evidence is needed. Black men are at higher risk and are encouraged to talk to their GP about PSA testing from 45. The TRANSFORM trial is expanding to include more Black men.

Key takeaways

PSA is a useful but imperfect test; a raised result is often not cancer.
There is no screening for all men, but men can choose to have a PSA test after discussing it.
Targeted screening for men with a BRCA2 variant and relevant family history is expected in England from 2027.
Avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise for 48 hours before the test.
A raised PSA is usually followed by a repeat test and an MRI scan before any biopsy.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

If you would like to discuss whether a PSA test is right for you, book a blood test appointment at Ready Health in Standish, or read about our men's health services.

PSA Tests Explained: Results, Preparation and UK Prostate Screening