How Often Should Your Prostate Be Checked?
Prostate health is vitally important and with Prostate cancer now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK, with around 1 in 8 men affected in their lifetime, it’s so important to get your prostate checked.
Why Early Detection Matters
Unlike bowel, breast and cervical cancers, there is currently no national NHS screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK. As prostate cancer often develops silently and may not cause symptoms in its early stages, men who choose to be tested proactively are more likely to detect the disease before it progresses.
A key tool for early detection is the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures a protein produced by the prostate. High PSA levels can be a sign of cancer but can also relate to other prostate conditions such as enlargement or inflammation.
Current UK Guidelines: What You Need to Know
Unlike some cancers, routine population-wide PSA screening is not currently recommended in the UK. Government advisers have reviewed the evidence and concluded the risks of overdiagnosis and overtreatment outweigh benefits for most men, although this remains under discussion.
However, a targeted screening option is being recommended for men with certain gene changes (BRCA1/2), who now may be invited for checks every two years between ages 45–61.
How Often Should Your Prostate Be Checked in The UK?
There’s no strict NHS rule for how often to test if you don’t have symptoms but many experts suggest:
- Men aged 50 and over: Talk to your GP about a PSA test, you can ask for one even if you feel fine.
- If your PSA is within a normal range: Retesting every 1–3 years is common, based on your risk factors and previous results. For example, if your PSA is low and you have no family history, a check every 2–3 years may be enough. If your levels are higher or other risk factors exist, more frequent testing may be recommended.
Who Should Get Checked Earlier?
Men with an increased risk might consider starting screening earlier and checking more often:
- Family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer: Consider beginning at age 45.
- Black men: Higher incidence and more aggressive disease often justify discussing earlier PSA checks around age 45.
- Known BRCA gene carriers: May qualify for recommended biennial checks from 45.
Speak with your GP about your personal risk and they can help tailor a monitoring plan that’s right for you.
What Happens After a PSA Test?
Your GP may repeat the test if results are high. If your PSA remains elevated, you could be referred for:
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) – to feel for abnormalities
- MRI scanning – more detailed imaging
- Biopsy – to confirm or rule out cancer
How Can Dr. Calleja Help?
Dr Edward Calleja is a Sussex-based Consultant Urologist specialising in the diagnosis and management of prostate conditions. He supports patients across Sussex and throughout the UK, offering both in-person appointments and convenient online consultations.
If you are concerned about your prostate, whether you have urinary symptoms, an elevated PSA result, a family history of prostate cancer, or simply want reassurance, Dr. Calleja provides clear, expert guidance tailored to your individual risk.
To book an online consultation, simply use the online booking system or contact Dr Calleja’s secretary on 01424 757 458.
