Call for GPs to flag prostate test

OUTDATED guidance is putting lives at risk by preventing GPS from raising the option of a blood test for men at highest risk of prostate cancer, a charity warns.

- Hanna Geissler

The PSA test measures a protein called prostate-specific antigen and elevated levels can be a sign of cancer.

Men over 50 and those at higher risk can request it on the NHS, but GPs are instructed not to raise the issue unless patients have symptoms.

But Prostate Cancer UK says early-stage disease usually does not cause symptoms and many men are unaware of the test, putting them in danger of being diagnosed later than necessary.

The charity is urging the next Government to change the advice so that GPS can proactively speak to men at highest risk including black men and those with a family history - and make them aware of all their options, including the PSA test.

It is asking members of the public to support the campaign by writing to their local parliamentary candidate ahead of the General Election on July 4.