prostate SELF-check health test

The selfcheck prostate health test is a home test kit to test PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels in the blood. These levels indicate the health of your prostate.

Each pack contains:

• One test device
• Dropper
• Test solution
• Lancet

A visible result is achieved within 10 minutes

Prostate specific antigen, or more commonly known as PSA, is a protein produced by the prostate and released into the blood stream in very small quantities. If there is a problem with the prostate, more PSA is released.

Prostate problems that cause elevated levels of PSA could be :-

• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
• Enlarged prostate
• Prostate cancer

It is strongly recommended in men aged 40 and over.

In the UK, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50, and your risk increases as you get older. The average age for men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer is between 65 and 69 years. If you are under 50, your risk of getting prostate cancer is very low. Men under 50 can get it, but it isn’t common.

If people in your family have prostate cancer or breast cancer, it might increase your own risk of getting prostate cancer. This is because you may have inherited the same faulty genes.

1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men, who have a 1 in 8 chance of getting prostate cancer.

Research suggests that being overweight or obese can increase your risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and so it's very important to try to maintain a healthy weight.

Men over the age of 40 should have their PSA levels tested regularly to detect potential signs of prostate problems early. Healthy individuals would benefit from annual checks.

In all cases you should consult your GP. Do not make any medical decisions without consulting your GP.

• Each pack contains everything you need to complete a full test
• The test is able to detect heightened levels of PSA in the blood, giving opportunity for early detection of potential problems with the prostate
• Easy to use - only one drop of blood is required
• Test at home and see the results in 10 minutes! No need to send off for results
• All test components can be disposed of in household waste once used
• No need to alter food intake or fast before the test
• Reliable result that gives you an accurate indication of your PSA

SELFCheck prostate instructions

A quick guide to the PSA test and prostate cancer