PSA Testing for Prostate Cancer and the Stockholm3 Test
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in men in the UK. The good news is that awareness is growing, and there is increasing focus on identifying men who may be at higher risk at an earlier stage.
You may have seen recent media coverage about prostate cancer testing and screening. While there is still no routine NHS screening programme for all men, there is growing recognition of the importance of helping men make informed decisions about testing, particularly if they have symptoms, a family history of prostate cancer, or other risk factors.
As conversations about prostate cancer screening continue to grow, we thought it would be helpful to explain what the PSA test is, why an alternative test called Stockholm3 is available, and which men may benefit from considering this more detailed assessment.
What is a PSA test?
PSA testing can help identify men who may benefit from further assessment, such as an MRI scan or specialist review.
For many men, it provides reassurance. For others, it can help detect a problem earlier, when treatment options may be more effective and outcomes are often better.
However, PSA testing does have limitations. It cannot always distinguish between aggressive cancers that require treatment and slow-growing cancers that may never cause harm. This can sometimes lead to additional investigations that ultimately prove unnecessary.
What is the Stockholm3 test?
The Stockholm3 test is a newer blood test designed to provide a more detailed assessment of prostate cancer risk.
Rather than relying on PSA alone, Stockholm3 combines several different pieces of information, including:
- PSA and other prostate-related blood markers
- Genetic markers associated with prostate cancer risk
- Clinical information such as age and family history
Using this information, the test generates a personalised assessment of the likelihood of clinically significant prostate cancer.
How is Stockholm3 different from a PSA test?
A PSA test measures a single marker in the blood.
The Stockholm3 test takes a broader approach by analysing multiple blood markers alongside genetic and clinical information to provide a more comprehensive risk assessment.
This additional information can help identify men who are more likely to have clinically significant prostate cancer while reducing unnecessary scans and biopsies for those at lower risk.
In simple terms, PSA can indicate that further investigation may be needed, while Stockholm3 can provide a clearer picture of who is most likely to benefit from that next step.
Why might someone consider Stockholm3?
Potential benefits of the Stockholm3 test include:
- A more personalised assessment of prostate cancer risk
- Improved identification of clinically significant cancers
- Fewer unnecessary investigations for men at lower risk
- Additional information to support decision-making about further tests and referrals
For some men, particularly those with a family history of prostate cancer or concerns about their personal risk, Stockholm3 may provide greater clarity than PSA testing alone.
Testing options at The Female Health Clinic
We offer both PSA testing and Stockholm3 testing at the clinic.
PSA testing remains an important and widely used tool for assessing prostate health and is often the first step in investigating concerns about the prostate.
For patients seeking a more comprehensive assessment, Stockholm3 testing is also available privately. At present, Stockholm3 is not routinely available through the NHS.
The most appropriate test will depend on individual circumstances, medical history and personal preferences. Our clinical team can discuss the benefits and limitations of each option and help you decide which approach is most suitable for you.
When should you seek advice?
You should speak to a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms such as:
- Difficulty passing urine
- Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night
- Blood in the urine
- Problems with erections
- Persistent unexplained pelvic discomfort
Even without symptoms, some men may wish to discuss prostate health testing, particularly if they have a family history of prostate cancer or belong to a higher-risk group.
Testing cannot prevent prostate cancer, but it can play an important role in identifying men who may benefit from further assessment and treatment.
If you would like to learn more about prostate health testing or discuss which option may be right for you or your partner, please contact the clinic to arrange a 15 minute complimentary discussion with Nurse Rachel Mellish.
Call 01252 915333 or email info@thefemalehealthclinic.co.uk to arrange.
Further reading on prostate cancer:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer
The Guardian article on increased prostate cancer diagnosis:
The Lancet journal on screening for prostate cancer:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045%2821%2900348-X/fulltext
