What is the Stockholm3 prostate screen?

The Better2Know Stockholm3 prostate screen is an advanced blood test designed to help detect prostate cancer at an early stage. The test evaluates your risk of clinically significant prostate cancer using a combination of biomarkers, genetic information, and clinical data.

Traditional prostate screening relies on measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. While PSA testing can help identify potential prostate problems, it may sometimes produce false positives or miss certain cancers. The Stockholm3 test improves on this by combining PSA with additional biological markers and genetic risk factors.

The Stockholm3 test uses a sophisticated algorithm that analyses several proteins in the blood, genetic variants linked to prostate cancer risk, and patient information such as age and family history. This approach provides a more accurate assessment of prostate cancer risk and helps doctors identify men who may benefit from further investigation.

Early detection is important because prostate cancer is often highly treatable when found early. When prostate cancer is detected while still localised, the five-year survival rate can be close to 100%.

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Why consider a prostate cancer screening test?

You may want to consider a prostate cancer screening test if you are experiencing symptoms that could be linked to prostate problems, including:

  • Needing to urinate more frequently, particularly at night
  • Needing to rush to the toilet
  • Difficulty starting to urinate
  • Straining or taking a long time to urinate
  • Weak urine flow
  • Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
  • Blood in urine
  • Blood in semen

These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. Many men experience similar symptoms due to benign prostate enlargement, which becomes more common with age.

However, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. Around 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, making early screening an important part of protecting your health.

Regular prostate screening can help identify potential problems earlier, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.

PSA vs Stockholm3 Test: What's the Difference?

The PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen test) has traditionally been used as the main screening method for prostate cancer. It measures the level of PSA protein in the blood, which is produced by the prostate gland.

While PSA testing can help identify potential prostate problems, it has several limitations. PSA levels can increase for many reasons, including prostate enlargement, infection, or inflammation. This can sometimes lead to false positives, where further testing is recommended even though cancer is not present. PSA testing can also miss certain aggressive cancers when levels fall within a borderline range.

The Stockholm3 test improves on PSA screening by analysing multiple factors together. Instead of relying only on PSA levels, the test combines:

  • PSA and additional protein biomarkers
  • Genetic risk markers linked to prostate cancer
  • Clinical information such as age and family history

This combination allows the Stockholm3 test to provide a more precise assessment of prostate cancer risk, helping identify clinically significant cancers while reducing unnecessary MRI scans and biopsies.

In clinical studies, Stockholm3 has been shown to improve detection of aggressive prostate cancers while reducing unnecessary procedures compared with PSA testing alone.

Who should get a prostate cancer screening test?

Prostate cancer screening can help detect the disease before symptoms appear. Many men with early prostate cancer do not experience noticeable symptoms, which is why screening can play an important role in early diagnosis.

You may want to consider prostate screening if you:

  • Are aged 45 or older
  • Have a family history of prostate cancer
  • Are experiencing urinary symptoms
  • Have previously had elevated PSA results
  • Want to take a proactive approach to monitoring your prostate health

When should men start prostate cancer screening?

The appropriate age to start prostate cancer screening can vary depending on personal risk factors.

Many doctors recommend considering prostate screening from around age 45 to 50, particularly for men with additional risk factors such as a family history of prostate cancer.

Men with higher risk may benefit from earlier screening, including:

  • Men with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer
  • Men with certain genetic risk factors
  • Men experiencing prostate-related symptoms

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer: Early Warning Signs Men Should Know

Prostate cancer often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Many men with early prostate cancer feel completely well, which is why screening tests can be important for early detection.

Common early warning signs may include:

  • Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night
  • Sudden or urgent need to urinate
  • Difficulty starting to urinate
  • Weak or interrupted urine flow
  • Straining or taking longer to urinate
  • Feeling that the bladder has not emptied fully

Additional symptoms may include:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Blood in semen
  • Pain or discomfort during ejaculation

Advanced symptoms may include:

  • Pain in the back, hips, or bones
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Persistent fatigue

How does the Stockholm3 test work?

The Stockholm3 prostate screen requires a simple blood sample. Your sample will be analysed in a specialised laboratory where multiple biological markers and clinical factors are assessed together.

What tests will be run on my sample?

Protein biomarkers

  • Total PSA
  • Free PSA
  • PSP94
  • GDF15
  • KLK2

Genetic risk markers

The test includes a polygenic risk score calculated from multiple genetic variants associated with prostate cancer risk.

Clinical data

  • Age
  • Family history of prostate cancer
  • Previous prostate biopsies

How will I receive my results?

Your confidential results will be uploaded to your secure patient area on the Better2Know website. A member of the Patient Services team will notify you once they are ready.

What should I do with my results?

If your results show an elevated risk, you should discuss them with a doctor. Further investigations such as MRI scans or specialist consultations may be recommended.

How can I book my Stockholm3 prostate cancer test?

To book your test, click "Book Now" or call Better2Know. The Patient Services team will help arrange your appointment and answer any questions.