Prostate blood test often missed

Published on Sunday 28 February 2010 21:52

A FIFTH of men in at-risk age groups who ask their GP for a test used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer have their requests turned down, a survey has revealed.

Seven out of ten men are unaware they even have the right to ask for a PSA blood test, which for some could be a life-saver.

Men from less affluent backgrounds were more likely to be uninformed about the test, the results showed. They were three times less likely to request a PSA blood reading than men from higher socio-economic groups.

John Neate, chief executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, which commissioned the poll, said: "Our survey highlights the critical role GPs play in providing balanced information to men about the PSA test.

"It is completely unacceptable that so many men at risk of prostate cancer are unaware of their right to request a PSA test.

"We must move swiftly to a position of 'universal informed choice' where all men are made aware of their right to request a test and to be given clear information about its usefulness and limitations so they can decide whether having the test is right for them."