Website aids prostate test choice

The PSA test does not always accurately indicate cancer

Men considering taking a test used to indicate prostate cancer risk can now turn to a website for more information.

The Dipex site was developed by doctors to provide details of patients' experiences to others affected.

The information on the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test was developed in conjunction with the NHS Screening Programme.

A high PSA level does not always indicate cancer, so men have to decide themselves if they need the test.

Men need to think carefully before taking the test and make sure they have weighed up the benefits and limitations Julietta Patnick, NHS Cancer Screening Programmes

The launch of the site comes as the Prostate Cancer Charity revealed one in four people over 55 did not think getting older was a major risk factor in prostate cancer - even though there is a sharp increase in incidence of the cancer with age.

And one in five of the 1,000 adults questioned did not know a family history of the condition also increased risk of the disease.

More men are asking to have the PSA test - currently available to men over 50 via their GP.

But two out of three men with a raised PSA level will not have prostate cancer, and may go on to have unnecessary invasive investigations following the test.

The Dipex site provides information about the test, and points to information from other recommended websites.

Information access

The project was led by Dr Alison Chapple, a senior research fellow at Oxford University, who spoke to 42 men about the PSA test.

They explain how they made a decision about whether or not to have a PSA test and those who did go-ahead describe getting the results and deciding whether or not to have treatment in video and audio clips, as well as written accounts.

Dr Chapple said: "Men may have read about the PSA test in the newspapers, heard about it on the radio, or they may have family members who have had prostate cancer.

"Whatever their circumstances, they may be considering taking the PSA test.

"We know some men feel uncomfortable talking about their health, and this latest addition to the Dipex website should help them access information more easily."

Julietta Patnick, director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, said: "Men need to think carefully before taking the test and make sure they have weighed up the benefits and limitations.

"I hope the site will give them a better understanding of the complex issues involved in PSA testing and help them to make an informed choice."

One man who shares his experiences on the website, said: "I would definitely recommend the site to friends who are thinking about taking the test as it is important that men make an informed decision.

"The site shows how men's experiences differ greatly and the personal true life accounts make the medical information easier to understand."

'A helpful addition'

John Neate, chief executive of the Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "Controversial as it is, the PSA test is the most widely available indicator of possible prostate cancer.

"As public awareness of the disease continues to rise, GPs find themselves facing increasing requests for the test to be carried out.

"It's essential that men are put in the driving seat - that they are given balanced information on the pros and cons of the PSA test to help them decide for themselves whether to have it.

"The new Dipex resource on PSA testing is a helpful addition in that decision-making process."