The prostate gland lies just beneath the bladder. Prostate cancer is a common cancer which becomes more frequent with age. It may be present for many years without any symptoms or it may grow quickly and cause symptoms. The PSA test is a blood test which measures the level of a protein that is released by the prostate gland into the blood. This level rises with age but may also be raised in prostate cancer. The PSA test can:

• Provide reassurance if it is normal
• Detect prostate cancer before symptoms develop
• Prompt further investigation if the result is abnormal