BACKGROUND: The role of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing in the early 
detection of prostate cancer is controversial. Current UK policy stipulates that 
any man who wishes to have a PSA test should have access to the test, provided 
he has been given full information about the benefits and limitations of 
testing. This study aimed to determine UK GPs' current reported practice 
regarding PSA testing, and their views towards informed decision-making and PSA 
testing.
METHOD: Online questionnaire survey, with a sample of 421 GPs randomly selected 
from a database of GPs across the UK.
RESULTS: 95% (400/421) of GPs responded. 76% of GPs reported having performed a 
PSA test for an asymptomatic man at least once in the previous three months, 
with 13% reported having tested more than five men in this period. A majority of 
GPs reported they would do a PSA test for men presenting with a family history 
and requesting a test, for asymptomatic men requesting a test and also for men 
presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms. Reported testing rates were 
highest for men with a family history. Amongst men with lower urinary tract 
symptoms and men with no symptoms, reported testing rates were significantly 
higher for older than younger men. The majority of GPs expressed support for the 
current policy (67%), and favoured both the general practitioner and the man 
being involved in the decision making process (83%). 90% of GPs indicated that 
they would discuss the benefits and limitation of testing with the man, with 
most (61%) preferring to ask the man to make a further appointment if he decides 
to be tested.
CONCLUSION: This study indicates that PSA testing in asymptomatic men is a 
regular occurrence in the UK, and that there is general support from GPs for the 
current policy of making PSA tests available to 'informed' men who are concerned 
about prostate cancer. While most GPs indicated they would discuss the benefits 
and limitations prior to PSA testing, and most GPs favoured a shared approach to 
decision making, it is not known to what extent men are actually being informed. 
Research is needed to evaluate the most effective approach to assisting men in 
making an informed decision about whether or not to have a PSA test.