Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the United Kingdom. Because of this, many men look for ways to detect it early, hoping that early diagnosis will improve their chances of successful treatment.
One of the most widely used tools is the prostate specific antigen test, often called the PSA test. This simple blood test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Higher levels can sometimes be a sign of prostate cancer.
However, the PSA test is not as straightforward as it may seem. While it can help detect cancer, it can also give results that are unclear or misleading. Some men with high PSA levels do not have cancer, while others with normal levels may still have the disease.
In addition, the test can detect very slow-growing tumors that may never cause harm during a man’s lifetime. This creates a difficult situation, where men may go through stress, further testing, or even treatment that they may not actually need.
A large new study from the University of Oxford has raised serious concerns about how PSA testing is being used in England.
The research, published in The BMJ, examined health records from more than 10 million men between the years 2000 and 2018. None of these men had prostate cancer at the beginning of the study, which allowed researchers to observe how testing was used over time.
The results showed a dramatic rise in PSA testing. Over the 18-year period, the use of the test increased five times. Many men were being tested more frequently than medical guidelines recommend. This was especially common among men who did not have any symptoms or who had previously low PSA levels, where repeated testing may not provide much benefit.
In the UK, PSA testing is not part of a routine national screening program. Instead, it is usually offered after a discussion between a man and his general practitioner, particularly if the man has symptoms such as difficulty urinating or other concerns. This approach is meant to avoid unnecessary testing and reduce the risk of overdiagnosis.
Despite this, the study found that testing was often carried out in ways that did not match these recommendations. Older men, especially those aged 70 and above, were tested very frequently. This is important because older men are less likely to benefit from repeated PSA testing, as many prostate cancers grow slowly and may never affect their health.
At the same time, the researchers found that some very young men were also being tested, including men as young as 18. This is far outside the usual age range where prostate cancer risk becomes significant.
The study also found differences in testing patterns depending on factors such as region, ethnicity, family history, and income level. For example, white men and those living in less deprived areas were more likely to be tested.
Out of the 1.5 million men who had at least one PSA test, nearly half went on to have repeat tests. What is more concerning is that most of these men did not have any recorded symptoms.
In addition, almost three-quarters of them never had a PSA level high enough to normally suggest the need for further testing. This suggests that many of these repeat tests may not have been necessary.
The average time between tests was about one year, which is shorter than what many clinical guidelines recommend. This frequent testing may increase anxiety for patients and lead to unnecessary follow-up procedures, such as biopsies, which carry their own risks.
The researchers also noted that PSA testing sometimes increases suddenly after high-profile public events, such as when a celebrity announces a cancer diagnosis. These spikes in testing can place extra pressure on healthcare systems, even though there is limited evidence that they lead to better health outcomes.
Experts writing in a related editorial warned that uncontrolled use of PSA testing could result in high costs and possible harm, without clearly improving the detection of dangerous cancers. They emphasized the need for stronger scientific evidence, especially from large, carefully designed clinical trials, before expanding the use of PSA testing.
The authors of the study concluded that PSA testing in England is not being used in the most effective way. Many men who are unlikely to benefit are being tested too often, while those at higher risk may not be properly identified.
They are calling for better research to determine how often men should be tested and for clearer guidance to help doctors and patients make informed decisions.
Overall, this study highlights the importance of using medical tests carefully and wisely. While early detection can save lives, unnecessary testing can also lead to harm. Finding the right balance is key to improving health outcomes for men at risk of prostate cancer.
If you care about prostate cancer, please read studies about a natural ally against prostate cancer, and supplements and keto diet can boost immunotherapy for prostate cancer.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to harness the power of anti-cancer foods and supplements, and low-fat diet may help stop cancer growth.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
