The columnist for The Times announced his diagnosis of prostate cancer, coinciding with reports that it has become the most common cancer in England, overtaking breast cancer. He expressed frustration over the difficulty in obtaining necessary screening tests, specifically the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, which is not mandatory in the NHS and cannot be suggested by GPs unless symptoms are present. After a high PSA score, he underwent further testing but was told that immediate treatment was not necessary. His advocacy for better testing reflects a broader issue of awareness regarding prostate cancer.
In the very week that it was announced on the front page of The Times that prostate cancer is now the commonest cancer in England ... I have been diagnosed with it!
I had to demand, literally demand, a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test along with my annual cholesterol check, because not only is it not mandatory on the NHS but your GP is not even allowed to suggest it unless you have symptoms.
The NHS website says a PSA test checks the level of prostate specific antigen in your blood, with high levels indicating a potential prostate condition.
Prostate Cancer UK says 'normal' PSA levels are usually less than 3ng/ml but adds that this varies, with levels depending on factors such as age and medication use.
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