Prostate cancer remains a critical health concern for men, particularly as they age. In Lancashire, older men are being urged to participate in annual prostate cancer screening through the PSA test, a simple blood test that detects signs of prostate abnormalities, including cancer.
South Ribble MP Paul Foster has highlighted the urgent need for increased screening rates in the county, describing them as “really poor.” With a personal family history—his grandfather died from prostate cancer and his father was recently diagnosed at stage four—Foster emphasizes the importance of early testing and diagnosis.
Understanding the PSA Test and Prostate Cancer Risk
The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test measures levels of a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate conditions such as enlargement or inflammation. The prostate, a walnut-shaped gland located at the base of the bladder, naturally grows as men age. However, abnormal cell growth can lead to cancer, which often has no symptoms in its early stages.
Foster underwent a PSA test recently and advocates for widespread testing, especially among men with increased risk factors. “If you get tested early and it’s found early, there’s a 79% chance that you can live with it for 10 years plus,” he stated, highlighting how early intervention improves long-term outcomes.
Regional Screening Rates and the Need for Action
Despite the availability of the PSA test, screening uptake in Lancashire is low. Foster expressed concern that one in four men are not being tested, underscoring the necessity for targeted awareness campaigns: “We really, really need to champion the PSA test, it’s a simple blood test.”
Advances in prostate cancer treatment have significantly improved survival rates, making early diagnosis even more critical. The National Prostate Cancer Audit reported that over 58,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in England in 2024 alone, stressing the disease’s prevalence and public health impact.
Accessible Testing and Support Resources
Men over 50 are generally recommended to have annual PSA tests, but testing is accessible privately from the age of 40 for around £25. Dave Riley from East Lancashire Prostate Cancer Support advocates yearly tests for early detection: “We’ve probably done over 3,000 over the last 10 years, and we say try and get it done once a year.”
Support organizations continue to promote regular screening and education to reduce late diagnoses and improve treatment success.
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