Prostate Cancer

The exact cause of prostate cancer isn’t fully understood, but you’re thought to be more at risk if you:

• are over the age of 75

• are overweight or obese

• come from a Black ethnic background

• have a family history of prostate cancer 

• have a close relative that’s had breast cancer or ovarian cancer – prostate cancer is sometimes caused by the same inherited genes (BRCA2)

Prostate cancer can be diagnosed through a series of tests, such as:

• digital rectal examination – where your specialist inserts a gloved finger into your rectum to check your prostate for abnormalities

• prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test – this can’t diagnose prostate cancer on its own, but it’s a helpful tool alongside other tests

• multiparametric MRI scan – used to give a clear view of the prostate, and to see if a biopsy is needed

• biopsy – if your specialist is unsure, they may take a small sample of tissue from your prostate to check for cancer cells

It’s not always possible to avoid prostate cancer, but you may be able to lower your risk by:

• maintaining a healthy weight

• eating a healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables

• exercising regularly

• avoiding smoking and limiting how much alcohol you drink

If left untreated, or as a side effect of some types of treatment for prostate cancer, complications can develop, such as:

• metastatic prostate cancer – a cancer that spreads to other parts of the body, including the bones or other organs

• urinary incontinence – not being able to control when you pee

• erectile dysfunction – finding it hard to get or keep an erection

• permanent dry ejaculation – having an orgasm without releasing any semen

As prostate cancer is often slow-growing at first, you may not need any treatment, especially if you have no symptoms. If this is the case, your consultant may take a watch and wait approach, where you are monitored at regular intervals for changes in your condition.

If and when the signs of prostate cancer begin to affect your everyday life, treatment options can include:

• radiotherapy – as brachytherapy or standard external beam radiotherapy

• surgery – a minimally invasive procedure to remove the prostate (radical prostatectomy)

• focal therapy – this treats only the areas of cancer, rather than the whole prostate gland

In advanced stages of prostate cancer, where the disease has spread to other parts of the body, hormone therapy or chemotherapy is often used.

At Welbeck, our specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.

What PSA level suggests prostate cancer?

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test shouldn’t be used to diagnose prostate cancer on its own, but a raised level may suggest the need for further testing. This is because PSA blood levels can fluctuate due to many reasons, like prostate inflammation, a urinary tract infection, and certain medications. But in general, the likelihood of prostate cancer increases with raised blood PSA levels – around 4.0 ng/mL or above.

What are the side effects of chemotherapy for prostate cancer?

Chemotherapy is sometimes used to treat advanced-stage prostate cancer. Common side effects include hair loss, poor appetite, mouth sores, diarrhoea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness.

Why are black men more likely to develop prostate cancer?

Black men are more at risk of prostate cancer because of a mix of genetic factors that can lead to specific mutations. Other factors may also play a role, such as different responses to the environment, like diet and pollution.

What’s the survival rate for men with prostate cancer?

As with all cancers, the earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome. In the UK, 80% of men will live 10 years or more after being diagnosed. But in men who’re diagnosed in the very early stages, nearly 100% will live more than 5 years.