Researchers have urged that men should be told that unnecessary distress is caused by testing for prostate cancer.

In the UK, the test is not offered regularly but men who are more than 45 years of age can request for the test.

A biopsy is carried out if a man has high levels of the protein prostate specific antigen.

According to the British Journal of Cancer study, this was a distressing process by 20 per cent and for certain men even if the test results were negative, the feelings remained.

Researchers from the University of Bristol state that men should be informed about the psychological effects of testing before any investigation.

About 330 men were followed throughout the testing process.

Professor Kavita Vedhara, who led the research said, "We found that in some men, the psychological effects lasted even after the men were told their biopsy was benign. It's essential that doctors know about this, and that men are fully informed of the psychological challenges they may face during and after a PSA test."

As several experts have expressed doubt about the benefits of screening, a final decision will be taken this year.