PSA level

Dear Moder,

Thank you for contacting Macmillan and welcome to our online community. My name is Denise, and I am one of the Macmillan Cancer Information Nurses on the helpline.

 I can see you have joined other forums too and I hope you find those helpful.

I am sorry to read your PSA levels came back elevated and you need to have further investigations. This must be a very difficult and anxious time for you. There is not a “highest” PSA result as such. The PSA level can fluctuate with age and can be affected by certain activities. There is a guideline for GP based on age and symptoms to make an urgent referral for suspected cancer but to confirm cancer further investigations must be carried out. There are other conditions for example prostatitis, or enlarged prostate which can cause the PSA levels to rise. For specific PSA levels prompting referral please click link here (Please scroll down to “Understanding your PSA results”).

The current cancer waiting times in England are now called Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS). There is no FDS in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The FDS target is that no one should wait more than 28 days from referral to finding out whether they have cancer or not. For treatment no more then 2 months (62 days) wait between the date the hospital receives an urgent suspected cancer referral and start of treatment or no more than 31 days wait between the meeting at which your doctor and you agree on the treatment plan. If you wish you can read more about waiting times by clicking here.

Waiting for tests and results can be very stressful and finding a way to distract yourself while you wait is not easy.

You can try to contact the hospitals radiology department, where your GP has sent the referral and enquire about your referral and waiting times. You can also ask if they have short notice list (used to be called cancellation list). If you are available at short notice to attend your MRI you can ask to add your name.

You can also ask your GP to enquire about your appointment for you.

I hope you find this information helpful. Please do get in touch with us if you have more questions. You can call us free of charge on 0808 808 0000 or you can chat to us or email us. We are here every day from 8am to 8pm.

Best wishes,

Denise

Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist

Ref: DK/AW

Hi Denise , thanks so much for getting back to me. You have given me a lot of useful info. 

I spoke to my GP who told me to ring the hospital I am referred to, I was told it could be another 10 weeks before I get my MRI. I put my name down for a cancellation. 

Can,t do much about it in the interim.

Is what it is unfortunately