Debunking First-Appointment Finger Fear

Skip the finger with our new straight-to-MRI prostate assessment

To honour Movember with Mr Thomas Smith, BSc (Hons), MBBS, FRCS (Urol)

Every November, men across the UK grow moustaches for Movember, a campaign that raises awareness for men’s health, particularly prostate and testicular cancer, and mental wellbeing. Beneath the light-hearted spirit of it all is a serious issue: many men still delay seeing a doctor about their prostate because they’re anxious about what that first appointment might involve.

According to Mr Thomas Smith, Lead Consultant Urological Surgeon at KIMS Hospital, LycaHealth Orpington, Sevenoaks Medical Centre, and The Royal Tunbridge Wells Clinic, that fear is understandable, but often unnecessary.

“Most men imagine their first prostate check will automatically involve a rectal examination,” says Mr Smith. “With modern diagnostic tools such as MRI and advanced PSA testing, that’s not always needed. For many men, we can now assess the prostate in a much more comfortable, minimally invasive way.”

It’s worth noting that in some cases a rectal examination may still be advised to check certain symptoms or confirm MRI findings. But for all men, the initial prostate assessment at our hospitals can now be completed without it, making that first appointment far less daunting and giving you the answers you need.

Why prostate checks matter

The prostate is a small gland that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. As men get older, the prostate often enlarges — a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — which can lead to changes in urination such as:

• Needing to go more frequently or urgently

• A weak or interrupted flow

• Difficulty starting or stopping

• Getting up multiple times at night

While these symptoms are common and often not linked to cancer, they can have a big impact on quality of life. It’s also important to rule out other causes, including prostate cancer, which can present with similar signs.

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in UK men,” explains Mr Smith. “But it’s also one of the most treatable when detected early. The key is not to wait until symptoms become severe.”

Skip the finger: a modern, straight-to-MRI prostate assessment

At LycaHealth Orpington, men can now access a Prostate Health Check, a fast and modern service designed for reassurance and early detection.

This new approach uses PSA blood testing, urinalysis, and advanced MRI imaging to give a clear picture of prostate health, often without the need for a rectal examination.

Your simple prostate check journey:

1. Initial tests: PSA blood test and urinalysis carried out by our nurses

2. MRI scan: Based on PSA results and urinary symptoms, referral for either a bi-parametric MRI (quick, no contrast dye) or multi-parametric MRI (more detailed)

3. Consultation: If results suggest a concern or symptoms persist, referral directly to a Consultant Urologist such as Mr Smith

4. Follow-up: GP telephone consultation to review results and agree next steps

“Our aim is to take the fear out of prostate checks,” says Mr Smith. “Once men understand that the process can be simple and discreet, they’re far more likely to take that first step.”

Treating prostate enlargement with precision: HoLEP

For men diagnosed with prostate enlargement (BPH), medication is often the first step. If symptoms continue or worsen, surgical treatment may be recommended.

Mr Smith specialises in treating benign prostate enlargement and offers Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) — a highly advanced laser procedure that removes excess tissue precisely and safely. Few private hospitals have both the specialist surgeon and the laser technology needed to perform HoLEP, making LycaHealth Orpington a leading centre in the region.

“HoLEP is an excellent treatment option for benign prostate enlargement,” says Mr Smith. “It offers excellent results with minimal bleeding. HoLEP is the best option for treatment when the prostate is very enlarged or there is concern over bleeding risk.”

The procedure uses a laser to remove the overgrown tissue that causes urinary obstruction. It’s suitable for prostates of almost any size and provides long-lasting symptom relief.

When to get checked

Consider booking a Prostate Health Check if you:

• Are over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer

• Have noticed changes in your urinary habits

• Are concerned about your PSA level

• Simply want peace of mind about your prostate health

“You don’t have to wait for symptoms to act,” Mr Smith adds. “Proactive checks can catch issues early, and even when everything looks normal, that reassurance can make a big difference.”

Expert care & taking control of your health

LycaHealth Orpington and partner clinics offer fast, consultant-led care under one roof. Patients benefit from:

• Quick access to PSA testing and advanced MRI scans

• State-of-the-art imaging technology

• Specialist urologists for consultation and treatment

• Personalised, compassionate care every step of the way

“Looking after your prostate isn’t just about preventing cancer,” says Mr Smith. “It’s about staying healthy, protecting your quality of life, and taking control of your wellbeing.”

Book your Prostate Health Check today by calling 01622 237 500 or visiting: kims.org.uk/service/prostate-health-check.

This Movember, visit the LycaHealth Orpington team at Royal Victoria Place on Saturday 1st November. Complete a short prostate questionnaire, grab information, and chat with our friendly team about the straight-to-MRI prostate assessment.

Mr Smith is a highly respected Consultant Urological Surgeon with specialist interests in prostate health, laser prostate surgery (HoLEP), and kidney stone management. He trained across South London, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, and was the first UK urologist to complete specialist training ahead of schedule. He is now Lead Urologist at LycaHealth Orpington.