PSA Self-Tests for Prostate Cancer: Convenience vs. Accuracy

A recent BBC investigation questioned the accuracy of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) self-tests – rapid at-home tests for men worried about prostate cancer. The BBC analysed five of these tests using one blood sample and found varying results: one positive, three negative, and one unreadable.

What are PSA Blood Tests?

PSA blood tests measure levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. All men have some PSA in their blood, but a raised level can suggest a problem with the prostate, including cancer.

Prostate Cancer: The Most Common Cancer in Men

In the UK, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

PSA Self-Testing: A Convenient but Inaccurate Alternative?

A faster and potentially more convenient alternative is self-testing. Currently, anyone over the age of 18 can buy a PSA self-testing kit for home use. With no proactive NHS screening programme, home testing is on the rise to catch prostate cancer early – even before there are any symptoms. By catching fast-growing cancers early, treatment can prevent them from spreading and causing serious problems.

Limitations of PSA Self-Tests

As with COVID self-testing, the PSA home kits use test cassettes. You use a lancet (small needle) to prick your finger to get a few drops of blood, put the blood into a pipette and then drip this on to the test cassette along with a buffer solution. Depending on the test kit, a positive or negative result is displayed in five-to-ten minutes.

Some users find the detailed instructions for home PSA tests difficult to follow, which can lead to errors. A review found the information provided with self-tests is generally inadequate.

Not a Cancer Test

Positive tests or high PSA levels may cause men to worry unnecessarily. PSA tests are not blood tests for prostate cancer, and a PSA test can neither diagnose nor rule out prostate cancer. Rather, higher levels of PSA indicate a potential problem with the prostate.

Tests are not a GP Substitute

While rapid at-home PSA tests can be unreliable, other types of PSA self-testing kit allow you to collect the blood sample in a small tube, then send it to a laboratory for testing. Getting these results can take a few days but can offer a more detailed PSA value, compared with rapid at-home tests. But again, these lab tests can neither diagnose nor rule out prostate cancer.

Conclusion

While PSA self-testing kits may be a convenient option, they are not a substitute for proper medical testing and diagnosis. Men who are concerned about prostate cancer should consult with their doctor to determine the best course of action for their individual situation.

FAQs

Q: What is PSA testing?
A: PSA testing measures levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in the blood.

Q: Is PSA self-testing a reliable method for detecting prostate cancer?
A: No, PSA self-testing is not a reliable method for detecting prostate cancer. The results can be inaccurate and may not rule out cancer.

Q: What are the limitations of PSA self-testing kits?
A: The limitations of PSA self-testing kits include difficulty in following detailed instructions, inadequate information provided, and the potential for errors.

Q: Can PSA self-testing kits diagnose prostate cancer?
A: No, PSA self-testing kits cannot diagnose prostate cancer. They can only indicate a potential problem with the prostate, which may not necessarily be cancer.

Q: What should I do if I have concerns about prostate cancer?
A: If you have concerns about prostate cancer, it is best to consult with your doctor. They can provide more information, guidance, and testing to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.