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Worried might have prostate cancer? What you need to know about the PSA test.

Dr Sophie GP

182,725 views

In this video Dr Sophie gives information about the PSA test, a blood test that can be used to help diagnose prostate problems, including prostate cancer. There are pros and cons to having this test done, so it's important to know who should be getting this test, what the results mean and what happens next if the test result is high.

Please note, Dr Sophie says the ‘urethra’, when describing the tube from the kidneys to the bladder, but this was an error as this is the ‘ureter’ (the urethra is the tube from the bladder out of the body).

If you've found my information helpful and would like to support my channel, I'd be so grateful if you
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References and useful resources:
https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate...

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostat...

https://assets.publishing.service.gov...

Predict Prostate is a useful tool for communicating the risks of different treatment options (https://prostate.predict.nhs.uk)

Published May 2022. Reviewed August 2023. Due for re-review April 2028.

20 Comments

@DrSophieGP Creator 1 year ago Pinned

Many people are asking about PSA levels and what’s considered ‘normal.’ PSA ranges can vary slightly depending on the lab and country, but generally:
• 40–49 years: Up to 2.5 ng/mL
• 50–59 years: Up to 3.5 ng/mL
• 60–69 years: Up to 4.5 ng/mL
• 70+ years: Up to 6.5 ng/mL

It’s also important to look at PSA trends over time rather than a single result. If you’re concerned about your PSA level, speak to your doctor for advice based on your individual risk factors.

Hope this helps.

@maskofsorrow 1 month ago

Thanks for your honest overview of the subject.

@iaintoms7071 1 year ago

Started my journey with a Gleason score of 9 and a PSA of 872. Yes, it had metastised. Through ignorance, I had associated changes with growing older ( 78) and of no consequence. Too late - it had spread to my lungs and bones. I went straight onto ADT which took PSA down to less than 1, but the side effects were difficult, but I’m still here.

@Always_sojourning 1 year ago

Concise, no nonsense and thorough explanations.
Thank you.

@khawarayub9759 4 years ago

Thank you very much. It was extremely useful and scientific information. Very well presented. Keep it up.

@paulw38 1 year ago

Hey guys my story may resonate and encourage others, so here goes. Journey started with needing 3/4 visits to bathroom every night. I did a digital self test. don’t squirm, as I felt a little area of raised flesh and went to see GP. had a biopsy and diagnosed positive with Gleason 9. PSA 17. Had an MRI, bone scan and started hormone treatment. then underwent 6 sessions of Chemo, followed by 20x Radiotherapy sessions. All a bit tough but worth it! I now have my PSA monitored every 3 months and for the last 2 readings, the reading was classed as “untraceable”. All encouraging and proof that following the steps can bring results. My journey is not over yet but I’m so pleased I took the steps I did. Don’t delay if you have worries guys, the help and support out there is superb.

@jcolumbiap 2 years ago

I was told in November 1995 by a doctor to get ready for death because of prostate cancer. 5 months later I ran the Boston Marathon.
Not one question was asked about what I did every day. Training for Boston!
It is now 2024 and I have never had a problem. I wonder how many men have their prostate removed that didn’t have prostate cancer?

@barneyclancy4312 2 years ago

thank u Dr Sophie

@lee4171 1 year ago

Thank you for this explanation, Doctor. I have just been put on the 2 week cancer test route. I explained to my GP that some of it could the fact I am on privately funded TRT, with a high protein diet and hard exercise. The GP was quite abrupt in saying stop it all immediately. I find it sad to be told this when it was something I have done for decades, (not the trt), I think some people get a raw deal for trying to be healthy. Fingers crossed.

@ImagesOfCountries 1 year ago

BPH is such a common condition amongst men. Fortunately, there is such a big variety of treatment methods available for one to choose from.

@qms4768 1 year ago

Excellent 👏
Thank you

@andyturner3056 1 year ago

Thankyou. I'm 58 and booked a PSA test later this month. I just want to avoid later issues

@MrVasmikey 1 year ago

Mine went from 4 to 6 in one year. A biopsy indicated Gleason 9 in early stages. Lupron and radiation and I’m at 0 for seven years.

@starone1296 1 year ago

Good talk

@Irideonandon 1 year ago (edited)

Mine went up to 6.4 over a few years. Like a dummy, I tried medications, hoping they would make it easier to urinate. I wound up using a straight cath 7 times a say. There was a period where I would urinate and use a cath afterwards. I got an even 400 ml out every time after urinating. My HUGE mistake was trying medications. Eventually, I had a TURP at age 66. Had an indwelling cath for a week afterward and now urinate totally normal! Don't mess around! Get whatever procedure your urologist recommends(also do you own online research for what you might prefer). Forget the drugs.

@fredg8564 1 year ago

Very good summary…well done.

@XxSEETH3RxX 9 months ago

I'm thinking about getting one.

@JDinky652 1 year ago

Biopsies are not without risk, especially when taking them through the rectum (serious infections may result). Additionally, there is a slight risk of releasing tumor cells into the circulation with each biopsy so it is best to have a targeted biopsy with as few core samples as reasonable (i.e. sample only areas deemed significant in a contrast-enhanced MRI).

@treboranthony3659 1 year ago

Good information except for the miss-speak at min 1:45 min, “urethra”: kidney to the balder?
My Case history: I’ve been tracking my actual blood work results for 50 years, PSA has been below 3.0 until age 74, at age 76 started taking BP Meds and since my PSA has been a rocket trajectory. PSA now at 51 (age 82), I have limited ED, no major ill effects except for aging other issues. My ancestry: European, African, Hispanic, 5’11”, 225 lbs , moderate exercise:

@robtecau4963 11 months ago

I had an elevated PSA test and then subsequently had other invasive tests only to find that there was no issue. The urologist told me point blank that he considered the PSA useless due to the number of false positives.