Prostate Test Package
This package is designed to provide an easy way to access a PSA blood test and speak to a gp about the results or to discuss prostate cancer screening and arrange tests if appropriate with a gp. With increased awareness of prostate cancer in the news and more public awareness around testing for prostate cancer Total Health West Berkshire has put together this prostate test package as an easy and affordable way to find out more information about your prostate.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small walnut sized gland located just below the bladder. When men pass urine the tube the urine passes through on its journey out of the body goes through the prostate. This is why if your prostate enlarges as you age you can have trouble passing urine.
What is a PSA blood test?
A PSA blood tests prostate specific antigen, this is a protein that is normally produced by your prostate, it’s level can be measured in a blood test.
If the level is raised it could be an indicator of prostate cancer, BUT you can have a raised PSA level due to conditions other than prostate cancer such as a urine infection.
This is why we have a GP appointment included in the package so that you can discuss your symptoms and results and the best course of action with a GP.
What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
- Difficult or pain in passing urine
- Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine
- Frequent visits to the toilet, especially at night
- Starting and stopping while urinating
- Dribbling urine
- A feeling of not having emptied the bladder fully
However it is important to note that prostate cancer can have no symptoms at all and having the above symptoms does not mean that you have prostate cancer there can be other causes of these symptoms.
What is the likelihood of having prostate cancer? Should I have PSA test?
The risk of getting prostate cancer varies due to several risk factors.
For instance around 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lives. The risk rises to 1 in 4 for Black men.
Around half of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over 70.
If you have a family history of your Father or Brother having prostate cancer, especially if they were under 60 then it can increase your risk.
Prostate cancer cells tend to grow very slowly, so many men will live their whole lives without the cancer being discovered or causing symptoms.
If you would like to check your risk of prostate cancer then Prostate Cancer UK has this risk checker which takes just 30 seconds to complete.
It can help you decide if you would like to book the prostate test package.
Prostate Tests
Prostate Test Consultation £120 - Consultation only.
A 30 minute consultation with a GP to discuss any symptoms you may have with your prostate and whether a PSA test is right for you.
Prostate Test Package £205 - Blood test and Consultation
Step 1: A PSA blood test with our phlebotomist.
Step2 : A 30 minute consultation including physical examination as required with a GP to discuss any symptoms you have and your PSA blood test results.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Firstly, you have a PSA blood test.
Then once we have the results back (usually within 48 hours) you will have an appointment with our GP to discuss the results and the symptoms that you have.
Prostate Test Consultation
If you would prefer, you can discuss the PSA test with our gp before deciding if having a PSA blood test is the right decision for you.
- Ejaculation in the 48 hours before the test.
- Do vigorous exercise 48 hours before the test.
- Having an examination of your prostate (digital rectal examination) before the PSA blood test
- having had a prostate biopsy in the last 6 weeks
- Having a urine infection in the 6 weeks before the test.
In your GP appointment the GP will discuss your results and any symptoms you have.
If a physical examination of your prostate is necessary then the GP will discuss this with you before the examination and answer any questions you may have.
If the results of the PSA blood test and GP consultation suggest that further investigations or treatment are needed then the GP will write to your NHS GP or can refer to a private urologist if you prefer.
