Early detection is your protection
More than 600 men die of prostate cancer in New Zealand each year and the key to survival is catching it early. Generally a slow growing disease, the majority of men diagnosed with low grade prostate cancer live for many years without symptoms and without it spreading. However high grade disease spreads quickly and can be fatal.
A number of risk factors are linked to an increased chance of developing prostate cancer including age and family history. There is also evidence that diet and lifestyle are risk factors for prostate cancer.
In the early stages of prostate cancer there may be no symptoms, but in the later stages might include the frequent need to urinate, finding it difficult or uncomfortable to urinate and finding blood in urine or semen.
This simple PSA test measures the level of PSA (prostate specific antigen) which can be elevated in cases of prostate cancer.
*Please refer to the Depart of Health position statement regarding prostate cancer screening before ordering this test.
What we test
Prostate Tumour Marker
This PSA test screens for prostate specific antigen (PSA), a protein which is released into the blood by the prostate gland. Depending on the result you might need further investigation by a specialist. A high PSA test result does not necessarily mean cancer, and prostate diseases other than cancer can also cause a higher than normal PSA test result, however a raised PSA test result should always be investigated further.
PSA a protein which is released into the blood by the prostate gland and is present in many cases of prostate cancer.
PSA exists in two forms in the blood: free (not bound) and complexed (bound to other blood proteins).
There is some evidence that the free PSA ratio (% of total PSA not bound to proteins) can help predict the probability of cancer, especially in individuals with total PSA levels in the 'grey-area' range of 4.0 to 10.0 µg/L. A PSA ratio above 25% is thought to suggest a lower risk of cancer, whereas a lower percentage suggests a higher probability of disease.
Test instructions
Download and print your pathology form from your i-screen dashboard.
Take your form to one of our affiliated collection centres to have your sample taken - no need for an appointment.
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