Answering Your Questions on Prostate Screenings

In the UK, 1 in 8 males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. It is the most common type of cancer in males and although this figure is high, it doesn’t have to mean there is a high fatality rate. If caught in the early stages, prostate cancer is very treatable. 

Prostate cancer symptoms often don’t present themselves until the cancer has spread to other organs and at this stage the cancer is much harder to treat. This is why it is so important to book in for prostate screening (PSA) to detect the cancer early, so you have the best chance of survival. In the UK there is currently no national prostate screening offered. Find out more about prostate screenings by taking a look through the most common questions patients ask…

What is a Prostate?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system; it is located below the bladder, surrounding the first part of the urethra. The prostate has a few roles in the body, with the most important being the production of seminal fluid, a fluid that is a component of semen. The prostate also helps with hormone production and to regulate urinary flow. 

What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

The symptoms of prostate cancer are usually not noticeable until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the tube that carries urine out of the body. This is why it is crucial to go for prostate screening if you are over the age of 50 or fit into another high-risk category, regardless of whether you are experiencing symptoms or not. The symptoms of prostate cancer include: 

• Frequent need to pass urine
• The need to rush to the bathroom
• Difficulty in starting to pass urine
• A weak urine stream
• Straining whilst passing urine
• Feeling like your bladder is full even after passing urine
• Blood in your urine
• Semen in your urine
• Bone pain in the hips, ribs or back
• Back pain

What happens during a Prostate Screen?

Screening is a medical process used to look for cancer before there are any symptoms or signs. It helps reduce deaths by enabling treatment to be offered at an earlier stage. At LycaHealth we offer private prostate screening in both our London and Kent clinics. 

During your private prostate health screen, we will use a series of tests and assessments to determine early signs of prostate cancer. It is important to get checked even if you don’t have symptoms. Our prostate health screening includes:

• Consultation with Physician
• Blood Tests: Urea and electrolytes (U&E) and prostate specific antigen (PSA)
• Flow rate test
• MSU – Urine analysis test
• Prostate MRI scan
• Specialist follow up care

Take a look through our private prostate screening service for a more comprehensive breakdown of the assessment process.

What age should you have a Prostate Exam?

Prostate cancer is largely linked to age and most cases occur in men who are over the age of 50. It is still possible to develop the disease under the age of 50, however this is rare. In terms of those most at risk, men whose brother or father have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are two and a half times more likely to also be diagnosed with the disease. Also for reasons not fully understood, prostate cancer is more common in African-Caribbean and African men and it is least common in Asian men. Research also suggests that being overweight increases your risk of the disease. If you are over 50, we recommend you book in for a prostate health screening exam. 

Can you self examine your Prostate at home?

It is strongly recommended not to self examine your prostate at home. Firstly, the prostate is an internal gland and should only be examined by a licensed professional so no injuries are caused. Secondly, it can be hard for an untrained person to know what to look out for and to determine whether the prostate is healthy.  

We don’t recommend screening yourself at home for prostate cancer but instead you can monitor your risk factors and book in for regular prostate screenings. Remember to practice a healthy diet and exercise regime to keep your risk low.

What is the best screening test for Prostate Cancer?

There is not a singular prostate cancer screening test to detect the presence of prostate cancer. Instead a range of tests and assessments are carried out to determine whether the disease is present . From blood tests to MRIs and PSA tests we cover all bases in our comprehensive and thorough prostate screening service.

What causes Prostate Cancer?

Unfortunately, the causes of prostate cancer are for the most part not known. We understand that certain factors increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. The main factor is age; men over 50 account for most of the cases. Equally family history and those of African descent are at a higher risk. 

Take your health into your own hands and book a private prostate health screening at our Kent or London clinic today. We have an expert team of consultants and specialist urological radiologists who will work together during your prostate health screening appointment. Book your screening today.