Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, affecting around 1 in 8 during their lifetime. The risk increases with age, with most cases found in men over 50. It’s also more common in men with a family history of prostate cancer and those of African or Caribbean heritage.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer can make all the difference in detecting the disease early, when treatment is most effective. Regular prostate checks play a vital role in maintaining men’s health, helping to identify any abnormalities before symptoms appear.
Men aged 50 or over (or younger if at higher risk) are encouraged to discuss PSA testing with a healthcare professional to decide whether screening is appropriate for them.
At Welbeck, our Men’s Health specialists at our renowned men's health clinic offer a comprehensive prostate screening package to help you take control of your health.
Here, we’re sharing which symptoms to look out for, when to see a doctor, and how prostate screening can help keep you in good health.
What factors increase your risk of prostate cancer?
age: risk increases from age 50 onward
family history: having a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer (especially under age 60)
genetic factors: inherited BRCA2 mutations significantly increase risk; BRCA1 may also raise risk
ethnicity: Black men (African or Caribbean heritage) have roughly double the average risk and often develop prostate cancer at a younger age
Most men with these risk factors will not develop prostate cancer, but understanding your risk can help you make decisions about screening.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Most men with early prostate cancer don’t experience any signs or symptoms. This is why routine screening is so important.
When symptoms do occur, they can be similar to those caused by an enlarged prostate, which is a non-cancerous condition that becomes more common with age.
Common urinary symptoms — usually caused by an enlarged prostate, but occasionally associated with early prostate cancer — can include:
difficulty starting to urinate
a weak or interrupted urine flow
needing to urinate more often, especially at night
a sudden or urgent need to urinate
feeling that your bladder hasn’t fully emptied
If prostate cancer grows and begins to spread beyond the prostate, it may cause additional symptoms, such as:
pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
blood in the urine or semen
unexplained weight loss
fatigue or general weakness
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important not to ignore them — most causes are benign, but a check-up can help rule out more serious conditions.
How do you know if you have prostate cancer?
Because symptoms can be subtle or even absent, the only reliable way to know whether prostate cancer is present is through medical assessment and appropriate testing. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, or if you have concerns about your prostate health, book an appointment with your GP or a Welbeck consultant as soon as possible.
Early evaluation can help rule out serious conditions or ensure that, if prostate cancer is present, it’s detected at a stage when treatment is most effective.
See a doctor if you:
have urinary symptoms that are persistent or worsening
notice blood in urine or semen
experience persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
have a raised PSA level
are at higher risk (family history, Black ethnicity)
are worried about prostate health
Prostate screening is a personal choice. Our specialists can guide you through the benefits and limitations of testing so you can make an informed decision.
How is prostate cancer screening done?
Prostate cancer screening usually involves a combination of a consultation, a blood test, and, if needed, imaging. Screening doesn’t diagnose cancer on its own, but it helps identify whether further investigation is required.
At Welbeck, prostate screening typically includes:
a consultation with a specialist – to review your symptoms, medical history and risk factors
a PSA blood test – to check your prostate-specific antigen level
a prostate examination, if appropriate
additional tests such as a bladder flow test or ultrasound to assess urinary function and prostate size
if any results suggest that further evaluation would be helpful, your consultant may recommend an MRI scan or, in some cases, a biopsy. Screening is quick, straightforward and gives you a clear understanding of your prostate health
What is PSA testing?
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein made by the prostate gland. A PSA test is a simple blood test that measures the level of this protein in your bloodstream.
A raised PSA level does not mean you have prostate cancer. PSA can increase for many reasons, including:
an enlarged prostate
age
prostate infection or inflammation
recent ejaculation
vigorous exercise, such as cycling
Because PSA can fluctuate, your doctor will interpret your result alongside your age, medical history, and other test findings. PSA testing is an important tool for identifying men who may benefit from further checks, such as an MRI.
What if my test results show something suspicious?
If your PSA result or MRI shows something that may need further investigation, your consultant will discuss the next steps with you. These may include:
repeat PSA testing - sometimes PSA levels settle after a few weeks, especially if caused by infection or temporary inflammation
additional imaging - Your specialist may recommend further MRI sequences or ultrasound to gather more information
targeted prostate biopsy - if the MRI identifies a concerning area, a biopsy may be recommended. This involves taking small samples of prostate tissue to check for cancer cells. Modern techniques allow targeted biopsies, which are more accurate
personalised monitoring plan - not all suspicious findings require immediate treatment. You may be placed on active surveillance, where the prostate is monitored with PSA tests, scans, and follow-up consultations
discussion of treatment options - iIf a diagnosis is confirmed, your consultant will outline personalised treatment choices based on the type and stage of cancer, your health, and your preferences
Throughout the process, your specialist will guide you step by step, explaining results clearly and helping you make informed decisions about your care.
Prostate screening at Welbeck
At Welbeck, we offer a comprehensive prostate screening package designed to support early detection and proactive management of your prostate health.
Our complete prostate screening package includes:
a consultation with a specialist – discuss your symptoms, risk factors, and next steps with an experienced consultant
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test – a simple blood test measuring PSA levels, with results available in 1–2 days. Elevated PSA may indicate prostate cancer or other conditions
transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) scan – this detailed imaging scan is used to assess prostate size and structure. In some cases, your consultant may also recommend an MRI depending on your symptoms and PSA level
flow rate (PVR) test – measures how well your bladder empties, with results available within 24 hours
urine culture test – checks for infection, with results available in 2–4 days
follow-up consultation – scheduled 7 to 10 days after your tests, your consultant will review your results and provide a personalised plan for any further action required
To book an appointment, please contact our Men’s Health Centre on 020 8015 4098 or email bookings.menshealth@onewelbeck.com.
FAQs
Does a high PSA mean I have cancer?
A higher-than-normal PSA level can understandably be worrying, but it doesn’t automatically mean you have prostate cancer. A raised PSA is a signal for further assessment, not a diagnosis in itself — your clinician will consider your PSA alongside symptoms, risk factors and possibly additional tests such as imaging or biopsy if needed.
Is prostate screening painful?
Most prostate screening starts with a simple PSA blood test, which is done like any routine blood test and is not painful — just a quick needle in the arm. A digital rectal exam (DRE), if performed, might feel a little uncomfortable but is usually very quick. Any further diagnostic tests, like MRI scans or biopsies, would be explained in detail beforehand, including what to expect and how discomfort is managed.
How long does the appointment take?
- a PSA blood test itself usually takes only a few minutes
- a full screening consultation with clinical discussion takes longer — generally around 15 to 30 minutes — so there’s time to understand your history, explain the tests and answer your questions
- appointments with imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, will take longer and are scheduled separately, often on the same day