Ask for a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test along with your annual cholesterol check.

What is a PSA test?

A PSA test is a simple blood test.

It checks for a special substance made by the prostate.

Doctors use this test to look for signs of problems with the prostate.

If you want help, ask a nurse or doctor.

You can also use drawings or videos to understand it better.

Why should I think about having a PSA test?

A PSA test is a medical check. It looks at the health of your prostate, a part inside your body. It helps doctors see if everything is okay.

Here are some reasons why you might have a PSA test:

• Check Health: The test shows if your prostate is healthy or needs more care.
• Find Problems Early: It can help find any problems early, so it's easier to treat them.
• Talk to Your Doctor: It's a good chance to talk to your doctor about health.

If you're unsure, ask your doctor to explain why it might be good for you.

It's okay to ask questions. Bring a friend or family member to help if you want.

When should I think about having a PSA test?

How do you get a PSA test?

A PSA test is a simple blood test. Here's how it works:

• You go to the doctor or a nurse.
• They clean your arm with a small wipe.
• They use a small needle to take some blood from your arm.
• You might feel a little pinch, but it's quick.
• They send the blood to a lab to look at it.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Take slow, deep breaths to stay calm.
• Bring a friend or family member if you want support.
• Ask the doctor any questions you have.

Are there any risks with a PSA test?

Getting Ready for a PSA Test

Here is how you can get ready for a PSA test:

• Ask someone you trust to explain the test. This could be a family member, friend, or healthcare worker.
• Write down any questions you have. Bring them with you to ask the doctor.
• Try to stay calm. Deep breaths can help if you feel worried.

You can use pictures or videos that explain PSA tests. These can help you understand better.

What Do PSA Test Results Mean?

A PSA test checks for a protein in your blood. This protein is called PSA.

The test can help doctors see if there might be a problem with your prostate.

If your PSA number is high, it might mean there is a problem with your prostate.

If your PSA number is low, your prostate is probably healthy.

Always talk to your doctor to understand what your test result means.

You can use tools like audio readers to understand better.

Can a PSA test find all prostate problems?

A PSA test is a blood test. It helps doctors check for problems with your prostate. The prostate is a small gland in men.

A PSA test does not find all prostate problems. It is just one way to check.

If you have any questions, it's good to talk to your doctor. They can help explain what the PSA test shows.

Tools like pictures or videos might help you understand better. You can also ask for more time to talk about it.

Does a high PSA level always mean cancer?

PSA is a short way to say "Prostate-Specific Antigen." It is something made by the prostate, a part of the body only men have.

It is important to know that having a high PSA level does not always mean a person has cancer. There are other reasons for a high PSA, like getting older or having an infection.

If someone has a high PSA level, it is important to see a doctor. The doctor can do more tests to find out what is going on.

If it is hard to read or understand medical words, it can help to have someone read it with you or ask a doctor or nurse to explain.

Can anything change my PSA levels?

Yes, some things can make your PSA levels go up or down. PSA is something your body makes. It helps doctors know how healthy your prostate is.

Here are some things that can change PSA levels:

• If you ride a bike or do a lot of exercise.
• If you have an infection or your prostate is swollen.
• If you just had a test or an operation on your prostate.
• If you take some medicines.

If you have questions, talk to your doctor. They can help you understand your PSA levels.

Here are some tools that can help you learn more:

• Use simple charts or drawings.
• Ask someone to explain it to you using easy words.
• Watch videos that explain PSA levels in a simple way.

Can you get a PSA test from the NHS?

You can get a PSA test from the NHS. A PSA test is a blood test for men. It helps check the health of your prostate.

Ask your doctor for more information. They can help you decide if you need the test.

Here are some ways to get help:

• Ask someone to go to the doctor with you.
• Use a notebook to write down questions.
• Use pictures to help understand the test.

What does it mean if my PSA levels are high?

If your PSA levels are high, it means there is more of a substance called PSA in your blood. PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen.

Having high PSA levels can mean different things. It might be a sign of something like an infection or an enlarged prostate. It can also be a sign of prostate cancer. But high PSA levels do not always mean you have cancer.

If your PSA levels are high, your doctor will talk to you about what it means. They may do more tests to find out why your PSA levels are high.

To help understand this, you can use tools like pictures, charts, or ask someone to explain it in a simple way. You can also ask your doctor to explain using easy words.

How often should I have a PSA test?

Here is a simple way to understand when to have a PSA test:

• A PSA test checks for health issues with your prostate.
• Ask your doctor when you should have the test.
• Your age and health can change how often you need it.
• Some people need the test every year.
• Others might need it less often.

If you need help understanding this, you can:

• Ask someone you trust to explain it to you.
• Use drawings or pictures to help you understand.
• Write down questions you have before seeing the doctor.

Can changing how you live change your PSA levels?

PSA is something in the blood doctors check for prostate health.

Making some changes in your daily life might help with PSA levels. This includes:

• Eating healthy food: Try eating more fruits and veggies. They are good for your body.
• Exercise: Move your body every day, like walking or playing.
• No smoking: Smoking can be bad for your health, and quitting can help.
• Less alcohol: Try to drink less alcohol, like beer or wine.

If you find reading difficult, here are some tips:

• Ask someone to read it with you.
• Use a finger or ruler to follow the words.
• Read slowly and take your time.

Changing little things in how you live might help keep you healthy.

Should I get a PSA test when I have my cholesterol checked?

If you are thinking about having a PSA test, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can help you decide what is best for your health.

A PSA test checks for signs of prostate problems. Men often have this test as they get older.

A cholesterol test checks the fats in your blood. It is important for your heart health.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Ask your doctor if a PSA test is right for you.
• Write down any questions you have before your appointment.
• Bring someone with you to your doctor visit. They can help you remember what the doctor says.
• Use a notebook to keep track of your test results.