Save your prostate: get a PSA test

Like his favourite car, a man’s body needs regular check-ups - and that includes a screening for prostate cancer, otherwise known as a PSA test. The risk of prostate cancer goes up every year after the age of 50 and that's why men need to take steps in preventing it, or making sure it's detected early.

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the best way to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. It's typically done along with a rectal examination, because most malignant prostate tumours start nearest the rectum. With these two examinations, prostate cancer can be detected when it's most treatable.

PSA tests and prostate cancer risk factors

Though all men should get a PSA test after the age of 50, some may need one sooner, if they have certain prostate cancer risk factors, which include:

• Family history: having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles your risk, according to Cancer Research UK. Men who have multiple family members affected have an even higher risk so screening should start at age 40
• Ethnicity: West African men and African-Caribbean men have a 60% higher rate of prostate cancer, compared to white men, so they should also begin screening at age 40
• Diet: a high-fat diet seems to contribute to prostate cancer so switching to a diet high in the antioxidant lycopene may lower your risk so get plenty of tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon, which contain high levels of lycopene
• Sedentary lifestyle: getting regular exercise and keeping weight under control seems to reduce the risk for prostate cancer, especially for aggressive cancer. One survey of almost 70,000 American men found those who lost at least five kilos (11.02 pounds) over a 10-year period were about 40% less likely to develop aggressive prostate cancers, compared to men who had little weight change
• Age: this is the biggest factor. After the age of 50, prostate cancer risk rises significantly. About two-thirds of all prostate cancers occur in men aged 65 and older.