Having a PSA Test is not a one-off exercise.
You are advised to have regular repeat tests.
The frequency of re-testing depends on your PSA level and risk factor.

Please note these are only guidelines - if you are in any doubt get tested more frequently or see your GP.

If you have symptoms always see your GP.

Age related guidelines for PSA levels

If a man’s PSA is above his age-related level (see table below) then he should see his GP who will refer him for further tests.

Guidelines for re-testing

Assuming your PSA is below the age-related guidelines (quoted above) ….

• Start testing at age 45, or 40 if there is a known risk of prostate cancer (see below)
  
  
• If your PSA is less than 1.0 ng/ml then return for testing every 5 - 7 years
  
  
• If your PSA is between 1.0 and 2.0 ng/ml then return for testing every 2 - 4 years
  
  
• If your PSA is above 2.0 ng/ml then return yearly
  
  
• If you are in an increased risk category (see below) then return yearly
  
  
• As a general rule, the closer the result is to the guideline for your age, the more regularly you should be tested.
  
  
• You should also keep a record of all your results.
  If your PSA level is increasing significantly between tests you should immediately consult your GP.

Men with an increased risk of prostate cancer

Black men

• Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men. We don’t know why, but it might be linked to genes. In the UK, about 1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.
• If you have mixed black ethnicity, you are likely to be at higher risk of prostate cancer than a white man. But we don’t know your exact risk because we don’t have enough information on prostate cancer in men with mixed black ethnicity. And we don’t know whether it makes a difference if it’s your mother or father who is black.
• If you're a black man and you're over 45, speak to your GP about your risk of prostate cancer, even if you don't have any symptoms. Remember to tell them if you have a family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer.

My father had prostate cancer. What are my risks?

• You are two and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer if your father or brother has had it, compared to a man who has no relatives with prostate cancer.
• Your chance of getting prostate cancer may be even greater if your father or brother was under 60 when he was diagnosed, or if you have more than one close relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer.
• Your risk of getting prostate cancer may also be higher if your mother or sister has had breast cancer.

Please note these are only guidelines - if you are in any doubt get tested more frequently or see your GP.

If you have symptoms always see your GP.