Prostate screening involves various tests and examinations to determine risk or to detect and diagnose prostate cancer.
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The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system that’s located beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra. Its primary function is to produce and secrete seminal fluids, a component of semen that helps nourish and protect sperm.
As men age, the prostate can undergo changes that lead to common health issues such as:
prostatitis – inflammation or swelling of the prostate gland that can be caused by a bacterial infection or other factors)
benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs as a natural part of ageing
prostate cancer – the uncontrolled growth of cells that develops within the prostate gland. In the UK, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with about 55,300 new cases diagnosed annually
The severity of symptoms does not necessarily depend on the size of the prostate. Urinary symptoms, sometimes called lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), can include:
urinary urgency and frequency – feeling the need to urinate more often, including getting out of bed at night to urinate (nocturia)
weak stream – a slow, weak or intermittent urine stream
hesitancy – difficulty initiating urination or having to strain to start
incomplete emptying – feeling that the bladder has not completely emptied after urinating
dribbling – leaking urine after finishing urination
incontinence – involuntary leakage of urine
pain during urination or after ejaculation
Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms, but if symptoms do appear, you may notice blood in your urine (haematuria) or in semen (haematospermia).
If left unchecked, symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include:
pain in the back, hips or pelvis
erectile dysfunction
unexplained weight loss
fatigue
These signs are more commonly linked to benign prostate conditions than cancer. However, if you notice any of these symptoms, get in touch with our Urology centre or Men’s Health centre for prostate screening – speaking to our specialists as soon as possible can greatly improve treatment outcomes.
Early detection through screening can identify your risks of developing prostate cancer and other prostatic conditions and allow for rapid treatment if required.
In the UK, there’s no established prostate screening programme. Prostate screening is a personal decision that involves weighing the test’s benefits against its potential harm.
At Welbeck, we have formulated an advanced prostate screening programme in our state-of-the-art Urology centre and Men’s Health Centre.
Our complete prostate screening package includes:
a consultation with one of our specialists – your consultant will take your medical and family history, discuss your symptoms and risk factors, and talk you through the screening process
PSA blood test – this measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer, but this can also rise in non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic enlargement and prostatitis, and can also be affected by recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise. Results are available in 24 to 48 hours
transrectal ultrasound scan (TRUS) – this is an imaging scan that uses ultrasound to create images of the prostate glands and other structures within the pelvis. Results of this scan will be sent to your consultant within 24 hours
uroflowmetry with post-void residual (PVR) – this is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate bladder and urinary tract function by measuring urine flow rate and bladder emptying efficiency. Results of this test will be available within 24 hours
urine microscopy, culture and sensitivity (MC&S) – this detects any signs of infection or any abnormal cells in your urine. Results will be available within 2 to 4 days
A follow-up consultation will be organised once all the tests have been completed and the results are available. Here, your consultant will review the results and tailor a plan for any further action or treatment needed.
The risks associated with prostate screening are minimal, and the benefits of screening far outweigh them:
early detection – screening can help detect fast-growing prostate cancer before you develop any symptoms, when treatment is most likely to be the most effective
peace of mind – for some men, especially those who have a familial history of prostate cancer, having a normal result can provide relief and reassurance
If any of your test results are abnormal (high PSA levels, or lumps detected in TRUS), your consultant may provide management options which will include:
multiparametric MRI scan of the prostate
trans perineal prostate biopsy
Your case will also be reviewed in our multidisciplinary team meeting held fortnightly, where a team of specialists will discuss your condition, test results, and formulate a personalised management plan for you.
There’s no preparation required to have a prostate screening. If any special preparation is required for any specific test, your consultant will let you know in advance.
There’s no recovery or aftercare needed after having a prostate screening.
Our self-pay pricing for prostate screening, which includes the initial and follow-up consultation, PSA blood test, ultrasound scan, uroflowmetry and post-void residual, and urine culture test, starts from £970. Any further tests will incur additional cost.
At Welbeck, our Men’s Health 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.
Get in touch with our Urology centre or Men’s Health centre to book a private prostate screening. This service accepts self-referring patients, and also patients referred by their GP or specialist.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Men’s Health specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. 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.
Screening detects many cases, but no test is 100% accurate. Some slow-growing cancers may be missed, while aggressive cancers are usually identified early.
Yes. A balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking may help reduce your risk of prostate problems and support overall health.
Most prostate screening tests are quick, straightforward, and painless.
Yes. Certain medications can lower PSA levels. Always inform your consultant about any medications before testing.
We have brought together a group of leading urology specialsits to create our Men's Health team. With over 300 years of combined experience, these expert clinicians are the best in their field and are all focused on delivering the very best patient care.