Prostate cancer diagnosis

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK so managing your prostate health effectively is important. Most of the time, results of cancer screening checks are normal but if cancer is detected, the outcomes and treatment options are best when it’s detected early.

Although there’s no single test used to identify prostate cancer, it can be diagnosed through a combination of tests, including some or all of the following:

It’s important to have the tests you need. Your doctor will also want to avoid any unnecessary tests as they can cause side effects.

Prostate cancer screening

There’s currently no national prostate cancer screening programme in the UK. However, as the risk of prostate cancer increases from the age of 50, this is a good time to get your prostate checked and men over 50 can usually ask their GP for a PSA blood test. Your GP will explain the potential benefits and risks of having a PSA test.  

If you’re concerned about new or existing symptoms you should seek medical advice as soon as possible. Your doctor will ask you about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing and any risk factors you may have. This will help decide what further tests are necessary. 

Prostate cancer symptoms

Early prostate cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms, but as the cancer grows, it may start to press on the bladder and urethra causing symptoms such as: 

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it does not mean you have prostate cancer, but you should see a doctor so they can give you the appropriate advice, diagnosis, and treatment if necessary. Other conditions such as an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can cause similar problems with urination.

Risk factors associated with prostate cancer

Whilst the cause of prostate cancer is unknown, there are certain risk factors which increase the chance of getting the disease.

If you’re in your 40s, you may want to get your prostate checked if you have a higher risk of prostate cancer. The following are recognised as risk factors for prostate cancer:

  • Family history of breast or prostate cancer
  • Black ethnicity – black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than other men
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Certain conditions causing altered hormone levels such as raised IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor 1)

Following a prostate check, your doctor can advise how often you should have a repeat check. This will vary depending on your individual level of risk

Advanced prostate cancer diagnosis at GenesisCare

We provide fast access to advanced prostate cancer tests and scans at our outpatient centres in Cambridge, Maidstone, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Windsor, with appointments with a leading prostate cancer expert, often within 24 hours.

Our consultants use state-of-the-art imaging technologies and diagnostic techniques to facilitate early detection and accurate diagnosis.

These include:

See a private urologist at GenesisCare

1. Make an appointment

If you're worried about new or existing urology symptoms, contact us today. A GP referral may not be necessary, we'll give you all the information needed

2. Visit the clinic

You can be seen within 24 hours at a convenient time for you. A urologist will discuss your symptoms & medical history & undertake an examination & any tests or scans as needed

3. Receive your results

In many case, you'll get your results on the same day. If not, we'll arrange a follow-up to discuss the results or organise further tests if needed

Book an appointment

Flexible appointments often within 24 hours - Monday to Friday at varying weekday and evening times.

Prostate cancer risk assessment at GenesisCare

If you're concerned about prostate cancer, particularly if you're recognised as at higher risk, you can have a prostate mpMRI scan at GenesisCare, even if your PSA level is considered normal.

You may be eligible for a prostate mpMRI scan if you are:

  • Aged 40 and over with either a family history of prostate cancer, are of black ethnicity or have a high PSA level
  • Aged 50 and over and not experiencing symptoms
  • Aged 50 and over and not had an mpMRI prostate scan in the last 12 months

Book an appointment

If you’re concerned about prostate cancer or want to book an mpMRI prostate scan, call our expert team today.

0808 304 2332
0808 304 2332

Learn more about mpMRI prostate cancer scans and how to book an appointment

How much do private tests and scans cost?

We’re recognised by all leading providers of private medical insurance. Before booking an appointment, you may need to call your insurer for authorisation or obtain a GP referral letter, depending on your provider.

Self-pay options are also available.

Indicative costs:

  1. Consultation from £255
  2. PSA test from £58
  3. MRI scan from £450

A full list of tests and costs is available on request.

Find out more about paying for treatment here.

Robust treatment pathway

For anyone receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis, you’re not alone. We provide a clear and comprehensive pathway from diagnosis to treatment with our consultants offering a variety of advanced treatment options.

Learn about the latest treatments we offer for prostate cancer, including advanced radiotherapy techniques that reduce side effects, chemotherapy and hormone therapy

Why choose GenesisCare?

Convenient locations and appointments

With multiple convenient locations, our prostate diagnostic clinics are easily accessible and available at our state-of-the-art outpatient centres in CambridgeMaidstoneMilton KeynesOxford and Windsor. We offer flexible appointment scheduling to accommodate your busy lifestyle, ensuring you receive the care you need when you need it most.

Experienced prostate specialists

Our prostate diagnostic clinics boast a team of highly qualified urologists with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating prostate conditions. Their expertise ensure you receive the best possible care tailored to your specific needs. If treatment is needed, they’ll work closely with you to develop a personalised care plan tailored to your specific needs.

Patient-centred approach

We prioritise your comfort and well-being, providing a welcoming environment where you can discuss your concerns openly

State-of-the-art facilities

Our centres are equipped with the latest medical technology, ensuring you have access to the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available. We continually update our practices to incorporate the latest medical advancements and research.

FAQs

Our expert consultants

Mr Christof Kastner

PhD FRCS(Urol) FEBU

Consultant Urologist

Cambridge

Mr Thomas Leslie

BSc (Hons) MB ChB, D.Phil (Oxon) FRCS (Urol)

Urologist

Milton Keynes +1

Mr Alastair Lamb

MA(Oxon), MBChB, PhD(Cantab), FRCS(Urol)

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Oxford

Mr Marc Laniado

MB BS, BSc (Hons), MD, FEBU, FRCS (Urol)

Urologist

Windsor

Mr Philip Charlesworth

BM DM FRCS (Urol.)

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Windsor

Mr Neil Haldar

MBBS(Lon), MD (University of London), FRCS (Eng), FRCS Urol

Consultant Urological surgeon

Windsor

Mr Jas Kalsi

BSc (Hons), MD, MRCS, FRCS (Urol)

Consultant Urologist

Windsor

Mr Hide Yamamoto

MB BChir, MA(Cantab), FRCS(Urol), PhD

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Maidstone

Mr Simon Brewster

Bsc, MD, FRCS (Urol)

Consultant Urologist

Oxford

Mr Hemant Nemade

FRCS(Urol), DNB( UROL), MS

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Milton Keynes

Mr Sonpreet Rai

BSc (Hons) | MBBS | PgDipEd | FRCS(Urol)

Consultant Urologist

Elstree +2

Mr Henry Andrews

MD, MRCOG

Urologist

Milton Keynes

Mr James Armitage

MBBS MD FRCS (Urol)

Consultant Urologist

Cambridge

Mr John Donohue

MB BCh BAO, FRCSI, FRCS(Urol)

Consultant Urological Surgeon

Maidstone

Find a centre near you

Find your nearest GenesisCare centre for more information about our specialist outpatient cancer services that are available on-site or at partner hospitals.