Men’s Experiences of PSA Testing and Prostate Cancer in Worcestershire
This report shares findings from a survey of 154 men in Worcestershire about their experiences of PSA testing and prostate cancer.
Why read this report?
• Hear directly from men about their experiences of PSA testing and prostate cancer
• Understand barriers to early diagnosis, access to testing, and support
• Learn what changes could help improve consistency and earlier identification
This report builds on Healthwatch Worcestershire’s previous work to understand whether experiences have improved, and highlights areas where access, support, and information could be strengthened.
Findings suggest that while some men report positive experiences, others continue to describe variation in advice, difficulty accessing support, and in some cases a lack of clear information.
Some men reported being diagnosed at a later stage, and many described relying on their own awareness or persistence to access PSA testing. These insights highlight the importance of earlier identification, clearer communication, and more consistent, risk-based care across Worcestershire.
We encourage you to read the report and consider how these findings can support improvements in prostate cancer awareness, early diagnosis, and patient experience across Worcestershire.
PSA Testing and Prostate Cancer Follow-up Report
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Report Appendix
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Prostate Cancer Awareness Podcast
As part of this project, we produced a prostate cancer awareness podcast featuring Chris Byrne (Healthwatch Worcestershire Director) and Phil Goodall from the Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Support Group. Phil shared his personal experience of prostate cancer, including the challenges he faced with diagnosis and accessing support.
We would like to thank Phil for openly sharing his experience, which helped bring these issues to life and strengthen the impact of this work.
The conversation explored:
• Delays in diagnosis and follow-up
• Variation in GP advice and access to PSA testing
• Uncertainty around symptoms and when to seek help
• The importance of understanding personal risk (including age, family history, and ethnicity)
• The need for clearer information and more consistent support
The podcast formed part of a wider engagement approach to raise awareness and support participation in the survey, helping to reach men across Worcestershire and encourage open conversations about prostate cancer and PSA testing.
A short clip from the discussion reached over 3,500 views, helping to raise awareness locally and encourage more men to reflect on their own risk.
