The short answer: yes, you can still get a PSA test in the UK. There is no screening programme for most men, but you can ask your GP, who will talk through the pros and cons with you. Prostate Cancer UK suggests having that conversation from 50, or from 45 if you are Black or have a family history. In 2026 the rules changed only for a small group of men with a BRCA2 gene change.
Movember starts on 1 November, and between the moustaches it is the one month a year men are actually nudged to think about their health. The most common question that comes up is the PSA test: can you get one, should you, and what changed this year? Here is the plain English version.
What the PSA test is
PSA stands for prostate specific antigen, a protein made by the prostate. The test is a simple blood test, usually done by a nurse at your GP surgery, and results normally come back in one to two weeks. (NHS: PSA test)
A raised PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it is not a cancer test on its own. Plenty of things push PSA up, and plenty of men with a raised level do not have cancer. That is exactly why there is a debate about testing every man.
What changed in 2026
On 28 May 2026 the UK National Screening Committee published its final recommendation. It recommended targeted screening for men aged 45 to 61 who have a BRCA2 gene change and a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer, with a PSA test every two years. (Cancer Research UK)
It recommended against screening all men, and against screening Black men or men with a family history but no BRCA2 change, because the evidence does not yet show it would do more good than harm. The government accepted the recommendation for England, with rollout expected to begin in 2027. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland make their own decisions.
In short: unless you are in that small BRCA2 group, nothing arrives in the post. If you want a test, you ask.
Can you still ask for a PSA test?
Yes. The NHS says routine PSA testing is not offered, but men and anyone with a prostate can ask a GP about testing. Your GP will go through the benefits and risks before you decide. (NHS)
Prostate Cancer UK suggests talking to your GP if you are over 50 and worried about your risk, or over 45 if your risk is higher. (Prostate Cancer UK)
Who is at higher risk
- Age. Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and the risk rises as you get older.
- Being Black. About 1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared with about 1 in 8 men overall.
- Family history. A father or brother with prostate cancer, or a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, raises your risk.
Prostate Cancer UK has a risk checker on its website that takes about 30 seconds. It is a sensible place to start before you book anything.
Signs worth a GP visit, whatever your age
Most prostate cancers cause no symptoms early on, which is why the conversation about testing matters. But the NHS lists changes when you pee, such as needing to go more often, and blood in your pee or erection problems, as reasons a doctor may suggest a test.
The most common cause of changes when you pee in men over 50 is not cancer at all, it is an enlarged prostate. A weaker stream, getting up in the night and dribbling after you finish are classic signs. Our guide to enlarged prostate and dribbling covers what helps, and if your boxers are damp a minute after the loo, read why your boxers are wet after you pee. Either way, a change is worth mentioning to your GP rather than putting up with.
How to bring it up with your GP
You do not need a script, but something this simple works: "I am over 50 and I would like to talk about whether a PSA test is right for me." If you have a family history, or you have noticed changes when you pee, say so, because it changes the conversation.
Good questions to ask:
- Based on my age and family history, what is my risk?
- What happens if my PSA comes back raised?
- How often should I think about testing again?
Before the test
A few things can push your PSA up and make the result less accurate. The NHS advises avoiding these for 48 hours beforehand:
- ejaculating
- anal sex
- cycling
- anything that leaves you out of breath, such as a hard workout
If you have a urine infection, wait 4 to 6 weeks after it has cleared. You can eat and drink as normal.
If your PSA comes back high
Try not to jump ahead. The NHS is clear that a high PSA does not mean you have cancer, and an enlarged prostate is one of the common reasons for a raised result. You may be offered a repeat test, and if it stays high, your GP may refer you for further tests such as an MRI scan or a biopsy.
If you do go on to have prostate treatment, some leaking afterwards is common and usually improves. Our guide to leaks after TURP, HoLEP and radiotherapy and why bladder leaks happen after prostate cancer treatment explain what to expect.
Your Movember to do list
- Do the 30 second risk check on the Prostate Cancer UK website.
- If you are over 50, or over 45 with a higher risk, book a GP appointment to talk about PSA testing.
- Mention any changes when you pee, however small.
- Ask your dad, brothers and uncles about family history. It is an awkward conversation for about ten seconds.
- Grow the moustache, obviously.
A word from us
We make leakproof underwear for light leaks, so we hear from a lot of men whose first sign that something had changed was a few drops after the loo. Most of the time it is nothing serious. Sometimes it is the nudge that gets a man to his GP, which is the whole point of Movember. If you are dealing with drips in the meantime, The Active is made for the post pee dribble and the odd extra drop, and The Everyday is for small leaks that come and go. The Everyday is also now stocked on the Cancer Research UK online shop.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a PSA test on the NHS?
Yes, if you ask. Routine PSA testing is not offered to all men, but the NHS says anyone with a prostate can ask their GP about the test. Your GP will talk through the benefits and risks with you first, then you decide together.
Is there prostate cancer screening in the UK now?
Only for a small group. In May 2026 the UK National Screening Committee recommended screening for men aged 45 to 61 who have a BRCA2 gene change and a family history of certain cancers, with a PSA test every two years. The government accepted it for England, with rollout expected from 2027. It did not recommend screening all men.
At what age should I talk to my GP about a PSA test?
Prostate Cancer UK suggests talking to your GP if you are over 50 and worried about your risk, or over 45 if your risk is higher, for example if you are Black or have a family history of prostate cancer.
What should I avoid before a PSA test?
The NHS advises avoiding ejaculation, anal sex, cycling and anything that leaves you out of breath for 48 hours before the test, as these can raise your PSA. If you have a urine infection, wait 4 to 6 weeks after it clears.
Does a high PSA mean I have prostate cancer?
No. The NHS is clear that a high PSA does not mean you have cancer. An enlarged prostate, an infection or recent activity can all raise it. You may be offered a repeat test, and if it stays high, further tests such as an MRI scan.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your GP or healthcare team.