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.
If you’re aged 50 or over (or younger if you have risk factors), it’s recommended to have regular prostate screening.
At Welbeck, our Men’s Health specialists 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 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 of an enlarged prostate or 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
erectile dysfunction
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important not to ignore them.
How do you know if you have prostate cancer?
Because symptoms can be subtle or even absent, the only reliable way to know if you have prostate cancer is through medical assessment and 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.
Prostate screening at Welbeck
Early detection is key. When diagnosed early, prostate cancer can often be treated successfully, leading to much better outcomes and quality of life.
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 – a detailed imaging scan used to assess the prostate, with results sent to your referring doctor within 24 hours
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.