Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 May 2016
238. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of concerns raised by some members of the public on the reliability of prostate-specific antigen testing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11932/16]
View answerThe Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is an initial test in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. While raised PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, they can also arise in cases of certain benign prostate conditions, e.g. prostatitis. On average, two out of every three men who have a raised PSA level will not, on further examination, turn out to have prostate cancer. Also, there are cases of prostate cancer where raised PSA levels do not occur.
It is important to note that PSA testing is a first step to diagnosis. The National Prostate Cancer GP referral guidelines state that "Patients with an abnormal PSA result should have a repeat PSA at six weeks". A clinical prostate assessment to include a digital rectal examination and the second PSA test is therefore undertaken prior to biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment if required.
The HSE-National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has established rapid access prostate cancer clinics in the eight designated cancer centres to ensure that the men who have urological symptoms and/or abnormal PSA blood tests can be seen by urologists in a timely way and that the appropriate diagnostic tests and multi-disciplinary treatment planning can be provided. Men referred to these prostate clinics undergo comprehensive assessment with appropriate imaging and biopsies.
