Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common form of male cancer and around 30,000 new cases are diagnosed in the UK every year. Prostate cancer affects older men and is extremely rare in anyone under 40.

A prostatic tumour is produced by an abnormal growth of cells. Some tumours are benign. However, if cancerous they can also spread to other parts of the body.

Although the cause of Prostate cancer is unconfirmed, research has indicated that the condition seems to be more common to the following groups:

Men over 50.
Those with a family history of prostate cancer or those with close female relatives who have suffered from breast cancer (especially at an early age).
Men of Afro-American / Afro-Caribbean origin.
Those with a diet high in animal fat.

Prostate cancer is often without symptoms, particularly in the initial stages. This is why it is important to have regular screens.

A PSA blood test measures PROSTATIC SPECIFIC ANTIGEN. This is a marker of prostatic cancer in the blood. If a result shows that there is an increased level of PSA, then this indicates that further investigations are necessary. A PSA alone is not a definite diagnosis of prostatic cancer, as the high reading could be caused by another prostate problem. Therefore it is advisable to also arrange to see a doctor for a rectal examination.

In those cases where further investigations are indicated your family doctor will refer you to a specialist. The consultant, a urologist, will organize special tests to confirm whether a prostate cancer is present or not.

Further information about Prostate cancer can be found on www.prostate-research.org.uk or www.cancerbacup.org.uk

A PSA test involves a simple blood test and short consultation to discuss the possible outcomes of the test and related issues.

To book a PSA blood test at our London clinic simply call 020 7500 6970 or 020 7394 1788. Next day appointments are available and results are available within 3 working days.