Cancer Data Base

Men enquiring about a blood test for prostate cancer detection are being turned away by their GPs, a new study has suggested.

The report, carried out by the Prostate Cancer Charity, found that a fifth of men asking for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test are being refused.

According to the organisation, more than two-thirds of men over the age of 50 years, who fall into the high-risk group of developing the cancer, are not even aware of the test.

In addition, the report claimed that men from lower-income backgrounds are three times less likely to request the test than those from economically stronger social groups.

Commenting, Dr Jodie Moffat, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said that the results of the study were "worrying".

"The PSA test can suggest if they have a problem with their prostate gland that needs further investigation," she added.

"It's important that men have access to high-quality information, based on the available evidence about risks and benefits, so that they can make up their own mind about what's best for them."