Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a substance made by the prostate gland. A raised level of PSA can be an early indication of prostate cancer. The blood test that measures PSA is used to identify men who might have prostate cancer, but it is not in itself sufficient to diagnose cancer. The test can also be used to monitor the progression of the disease or the effectiveness of treatment in men once they have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. In the UK, PSA tests may be initiated in the NHS by hospital doctors or GPs, and in the private sector by private health care organisations, often as part of a more general health screening, or by individuals themselves using purchased test kits.

We are undertaking a study that will link electronic patient records from a set of general practices in the Birmingham area with prostate cancer registrations at the West Midlands Cancer Intelligence Unit. This study will provide information on PSA testing in primary care in the period before and after the introduction of the NHS Prostate Cancer Risk Management Programme, on the age and socioeconomic status of those being tested, and differences between general practices in their use of tests. We will also be able to identify the extent of retesting and any changes in the proportion of tests that show a raised level of PSA. The second part of the study will use the more detailed information recorded at the cancer registry to describe the treatment of and death from prostate cancer.

For further information contact Ronan Ryan or Richard McManus