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Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
The PSA test| may help to diagnose very early prostate cancer| before any symptoms develop, but there are still questions about how reliable| the test is, and whether treatment is always necessary for early prostate cancer.
Even when it's diagnosed, prostate cancer may grow very slowly, and for some men the side effects of treatment may be worse than the effects of the cancer itself, so it can be difficult to decide whether or not to have treatment.
Some men may want to have tests for early prostate cancer and treat it if it occurs. Others don’t want to know if they have an early prostate cancer because they think that, on balance, having that information would do them more harm than good.
There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to having a PSA test. With the help of your doctor and this information, you can make the decision that’s right for you.
If you'd like to discuss this information, you could call our cancer support specialists|.
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.