Men aged 50 and over can now collect a complimentary home PSA prostate cancer screening blood test from any of Subaru’s 54 UK sales dealerships.
Funded by Subaru UK and supplied by medical home-testing company Selph, the kits are available to pick up discreetly from Subaru dealerships
before being completed at home.
Each test uses a finger-prick blood sample, which is posted to Selph’s UKAS-accredited partner laboratory. Results are often available the day after the sample reaches the laboratory and come with a doctor’s report explaining the result and any recommended next steps.
The initiative comes as prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men in the UK. Around 58,000 cases are diagnosed annually, resulting in approximately 12,300 deaths.
“The average age of a new car buyer in the UK is over 50,” said Lorraine Bishton, managing director of Subaru UK.
“There are also many visitors to Subaru dealers who have husbands, brothers, fathers or grandfathers who may fit the profile of men considering a PSA test.
“Making kits available in our dealerships is an easy way to pick up a test discreetly, for men who may consider themselves at risk or are reluctant to make a testing appointment.”
What does a PSA test show?
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate. Measuring the amount present in the blood can help identify men who may benefit from further investigation.
However, a PSA test cannot diagnose prostate cancer on its own. An enlarged prostate, inflammation, infection, recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise can also cause an elevated result. Equally, some men with prostate cancer record a PSA result within the expected range.
This potential for false-positive and false-negative results is why the UK doesn’t currently operate a routine national PSA screening programme. Men are encouraged to understand the possible benefits and limitations before deciding whether to take the test.
Dr Alasdair Scott of Selph said: “PSA testing can’t provide a diagnosis, but it can provide an important early indication of prostate cancer risk.
“By making PSA testing available through its dealer network, Subaru UK is helping more men take a proactive step towards understanding their prostate health and seeking further medical advice where needed.”
A raised result may lead to further investigation, potentially including an MRI scan and, where appropriate, a biopsy. It does not necessarily mean that cancer is present.
Who should consider a PSA test?
Men aged 50 and over can already ask their GP for a PSA blood test on the NHS, even if they do not have symptoms, after discussing its advantages and limitations.
Risk increases with age, while Black men and those with a close family history of prostate cancer are at greater risk from around the age of 45. Men in these groups may wish to discuss PSA testing and their individual risk with a GP earlier.
Anyone experiencing symptoms or changes to the way they urinate should contact their GP rather than relying solely on a home test.
The complimentary Selph kits are available from Subaru’s 54 UK sales dealers. Further information about PSA testing is available from the NHS and Prostate Cancer UK.
