STOCKHOLM 3 TEST FOR PROSTATE CANCER

Picking up aggressive prostate cancers early, so that treatment works better

Prostate cancer has officially become the most prevalent cancer in the UK (January 2026), with more than 64,000 men diagnosed in 2022, and it is increasing.

While screening for cancer cannot alter the number of people who get it, identifying and treating disease at an early stage does significantly increase the chance of survival.

Survival rates for men with Stage 1 and Stage 2 prostate cancer are close to 100%.

Stockholm3 is a validated blood test that combines genetic markers, proteins and clinical information in an algorithm that predicts risk of clinically significant prostate cancer in men aged 45-74 years. ( but can be used outside this age range, see below)

Your PSA level must be greater than 1.5 ng/ml and cannot have had a previous diagnosis of prostate cancer

The suitability and usefulness of Stockholm3 as an early risk test is becoming well recognised. In patient populations that are diverse, the test performs equally across ethnicities.

Data from results for Stockholm3 tests show lower referral rates for both imaging or prostate biopsy. Reducing anxiety and unnecessary MRI’s and biopsies.

A 4-Question Clinical Data form accompanying the blood test for the STK3 test 
is required, covering:

·   Age

·   Family history of prostate cancer

·   Details of previous prostate biopsies

·   Patient management with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (Avodart [Dutasteride] or Proscar [Finasteride]) is needed

Results are back in 14 working days

PSA level 1.5 or greater

The standard PSA is deemed abnormal when it is 3.0 or above.

Between 1.5 to 3.0 the PSA test will miss around 25% of aggressive cancers at an early stage.

NO previous prostate cancer

If you had prostate cancer before then this test is not suitable.

If you have symptoms of prostate cancer you can do this test but also should see the doctor for a physical as you may need urgent referral even before the results are back.

We would also check other general bloods and urine

aged 45-75

Though the screening studies in Sweden were done in this age group the test can be performed in those at risk of prostate cancer who are for example age 39 or early 40’s and like wise age 76-80’s.

References

Stockholm3 Versus Prostate-specific Antigen in Prostate Cancer Screening: 9-year Outcomes Demonstrating Improved Detection of Aggressive Cancers and Reduced Overdiagnosis from the STHLM3 Trial. DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2025.10.001. 

Visit https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41107178/ for details of this study.