The Stockholm3 Test – A Smarter Way to Detect Prostate Cancer
For decades, the primary tool for prostate cancer screening has been the PSA test – a simple blood test that measures a protein produced by the prostate gland. While PSA testing has saved lives by helping to detect cancer early, it also comes with well-known limitations: false positives, unnecessary biopsies, and overdiagnosis of low-risk cancers.
Enter Stockholm3 – a next-generation blood test developed in Sweden that’s transforming the way we detect clinically significant prostate cancer.
In this article, we’ll explore:
What the Stockholm3 test is
How it differs from PSA testing
Its scientific foundation and accuracy
Who should take it
How it improves prostate cancer care
Why the Need for a Better Test?
The PSA test, while simple and widely used, has been criticized for:
Low specificity: Elevated PSA levels can result from benign conditions like BPH or inflammation, not just cancer.
High false positive rate: Many men undergo unnecessary biopsies based on elevated PSA alone.
Overdiagnosis: PSA can detect low-risk tumors that may never cause symptoms — leading to unnecessary anxiety and treatment.
This has led to a growing demand for a test that can:
Distinguish aggressive cancers from harmless ones
Reduce unnecessary biopsies
Offer personalized risk information
What Is the Stockholm3 Test?
The Stockholm3 test is an innovative blood test that combines multiple diagnostic markers and clinical variables to assess the risk of aggressive prostate cancer more accurately than PSA alone.
Developed by:
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, one of the world’s leading medical universities.
It combines:
Biomarkers: Five proteins measured in the blood, including PSA.
Genetic markers: Over 100 genetic variants (SNPs) linked to prostate cancer risk.
Clinical data: Age, family history, previous biopsies, prostate volume, and more.
Result:
A risk percentage from 0–100%, indicating the likelihood of high-grade prostate cancer.
How Is It Performed?
Simple blood draw – just like a standard PSA test
Analysis of blood proteins and DNA
Calculation of individual risk score
Report delivered to your doctor to support decision-making
Who Is It For?
The Stockholm3 test is especially beneficial for:
✅ Men aged 45–75 who are considering prostate cancer screening
✅ Men with elevated PSA levels but inconclusive results
✅ Men with family history of prostate cancer
✅ Men who want a more accurate test before biopsy
It is not intended for men who have already been diagnosed with prostate cancer or those undergoing active treatment.
What Does the Science Say?
The Stockholm3 test has been validated in large clinical studies across Sweden and Europe.
Key findings:
Reduces unnecessary biopsies by up to 50%
Increases detection of clinically significant (aggressive) cancer
Detects 30% more high-risk cancers than PSA alone
More cost-effective for healthcare systems over time
Published in: The Lancet Oncology, European Urology, JAMA Oncology
Used in: Several Swedish regions, as well as Norway, Finland, Germany, and beyond
Why It Reduces Overdiagnosis
A major issue with PSA testing is that it detects many low-grade tumors — slow-growing cancers that might never cause harm.
Treating these cases can lead to:
Unnecessary surgery or radiation
Urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction
Anxiety and reduced quality of life
Stockholm3 solves this by focusing on risk: It helps identify who actually needs further investigation, and who can be safely monitored.
How Stockholm3 Helps You and Your Doctor
With a detailed risk report, your doctor can make a better-informed decision about:
Whether an MRI or biopsy is needed
Whether to monitor over time or act immediately
Which treatment options to consider (if any)
It enables personalized care rather than one-size-fits-all screening.
How Does the Genetic Component Work?
Stockholm3 includes testing for over 100 genetic variants (called SNPs) associated with prostate cancer.
These are not mutations in the way we think of diseases like BRCA in breast cancer — but common variations that slightly increase or decrease your risk.
By combining many such variants, Stockholm3 provides a polygenic risk score — a powerful tool that adds precision to screening.
Is It Available Everywhere?
Stockholm3 is available in:
Sweden (public and private clinics)
Norway and Finland
Germany and Switzerland (selected providers)
More European countries are adopting it gradually
In some areas, it is used as part of organized screening programs. In others, it’s offered through urologists or private clinics.
Testimonials From the Field
Physicians say:
“Stockholm3 has allowed us to reduce the number of biopsies while detecting more aggressive cancers.”
— Dr. Johan Stranne, urologist, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Patients say:
“I was worried after a high PSA reading, but Stockholm3 showed my risk was low. It spared me an unnecessary biopsy.”
— Henrik, 59, Stockholm
FAQs
Is Stockholm3 more expensive than PSA?
Yes, but it reduces follow-up costs by lowering unnecessary MRIs and biopsies — saving money long-term.
Can I request the test myself?
In some regions, yes. In others, a doctor must refer you. Contact a clinic or urologist to learn more.
Does it replace MRI or biopsy?
No, it complements them. If Stockholm3 shows high risk, MRI and biopsy may follow. If risk is low, further testing might not be needed.
Summary: Smarter Screening Starts Here
BenefitWhat It Means for YouPersonalized risk scoreMore precise screeningGenetic + biomarker dataBeyond what PSA can showFewer unnecessary biopsiesLess stress, less harmBetter detection of real cancerFocus on what mattersTrusted across EuropeEvidence-backed, real-world use
Should You Get Tested?
You may benefit from the Stockholm3 test if you:
Are 45–75 years old
Have an elevated PSA
Have a family history of prostate cancer
Want a clearer picture before deciding on a biopsy
Discuss the test with your doctor — or contact a participating clinic — to learn more.
Final Thoughts
Prostate cancer screening is evolving. With the Stockholm3 test, we’re entering a new era where precision replaces guesswork, and patients get the clarity they deserve.