Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland under the bladder and usually happens to men over 50 years old. There are different treatments and it can often be cured if diagnosed early.
About Prostate cancer
The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and just in front of your back passage (rectum). Urine from the bladder passes through the centre of the prostate and along the water pipe (urethra) to leave the body at the end of the penis.
Its main function is to produce some of the fluid that is involved in fertility.
When the cancer is found early and confined to the prostate it often causes no symptoms and can only be detected by testing.
What to expect from your initial appointments
Following referral to our service, usually via your GP, it is likely you will be referred on for an MRI scan of your prostate. This will give us a more detailed understanding of the size and appearances of the prostate and can highlight areas concerning for possible prostate cancer.
If such areas are found, and prostate biopsy may be advised. For various reasons, an MRI scan is not recommended in every case and you may instead be offered an appointment to discuss your Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) result with a consultant.
What to expect from diagnostic tests and investigations
You will most likely have been referred to the hospital for further investigation following a blood test at your GP practice. The blood test you received is called a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. It measures the levels of PSA in your blood and may help detect early prostate cancer. If you are aged over 50, you can ask your GP for a PSA test.
Our doctors may request that you receive some of the following tests as a result of your GP referral:
MRI scan
If you have a raised PSA level, you will have an MRI scan of the prostate to help doctors decide if you need further tests. An MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create a cross-sectional picture of the body. The scan normally takes between 45 minutes and one hour to complete.
Digital rectal examination (DRE)
Your doctor may ask to examine your prostate by inserting a gloved finger into your rectum.
Biopsy
Your doctor or specialist nurse may need to take a tissue sample from your prostate. They will use an ultrasound probe to guide the biopsy. Before the procedure you will be given a local anaesthetic.
Treatment options for Prostate cancer
Active surveillance
Some people may not require any treatment for their prostate cancer and it can be kept under active surveillance. This may involve having regular PSA tests, MRI scans and sometimes biopsies to ensure any signs of progression are found as early as possible.
Prostatectomy
A robotic radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of your prostate gland. The treatment is an option for curing prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate or has not spread very far.
Brachytherapy
Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy where the radiation dose is delivered inside the prostate gland. The radiation is delivered using a number of tiny radioactive seeds surgically implanted into the tumour. It is usually a day case treatment and patients can quickly return back to their daily routine.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy involves using radiation to destroy cancerous cells. It can be used to cure prostate cancer that has not spread very far from the prostate gland. It can also be used to slow the progression of prostate cancer that has spread and relieve the symptoms.
Hormone therapy
Prostate cancer is fed by the male hormone, testosterone. Hormone therapy blocks the production of testosterone and aims to stop the growth and spread of the cancer, in some cases shrinking it. It is often recommended for patients with advanced prostate cancer and initially given as an oral tablet. Patients may also receive an injection that will be administered by your GP. This may be your main treatment or be given in combination with other treatments, such as radiotherapy or brachytherapy.
More information about treatment for Prostate cancer
Living with and beyond cancer
After completing your cancer treatment If you have any symptoms or concerns, contact your clinical nurse specialist and your GP.