Men’s experiences of requesting a PSA Test
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Asymptomatic men's experiences of requesting a Prostate Specific Antigen Test (PSA): A qualitative study.
IRAS ID
158989
Contact name
Colin Thain
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Central Lancashire
Research summary
There is no screening programme for prostate cancer in the United Kingdom as it has not been demonstrated that the benefits outweigh the risks Among men aged 55-69 years in the ERSPC study authors reported that 1055 men would need to be screened to prevent one additional death from prostate cancer during a median follow up duration of 11 years. Harms included over diagnosis, including false positive results for the PSA test, infection, bleeding and pain associated with subsequent biopsy.
Routinely screening all men to check their prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels is a controversial subject in the international medical community, as demonstrated by the varying recommendations made by medical organisations and governed by national policies.
Men in the UK can request a PSA test at their General Practice, however testing is not currently monitored. Surveys of General Practice and Pathology Laboratories carried out in recent years have suggested a testing rate of around 6% per year among 45-89 year old men with no previous diagnosis of prostate cancer.
It is not clear why asymptomatic men request a PSA test or if they receive the information they need to make an informed decision to have a PSA test. Service evaluation is thus needed to evaluate the information provided to asymptomatic men requesting a PSA test and to gain insight to their views and experiences.The aim of the study is to explore through semi-structured interviews the views & experiences of up to 10 asymptomatic men who have sought a prostate specific antigen test.at one GP practice.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1549
Date of REC Opinion
19 Aug 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion