Being the most common form of cancer in men, over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. An estimated 50% of men over 50 are diagnosed with prostate cancer and this figure increases to 80% in men over 80. In most cases these cancers lay dormant and will grow slowly particularly in elderly men. However in some less common cases these cancer cells are known to be megastatic (spreading) and can move to other areas of the body.
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Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer
Prostate problems are common; 1 in 5 men will develop prostatic symptoms and 1 in 6 will develop prostate cancer, which is now the most frequent cancer in men. At London Urology we specialise in the treatment of prostate problems, using advanced surgical therapies and intervention. Promotion of male health and prostate screening means that success rates of surgical intervention are increasing.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty maintaining a steady stream of urine
- Having to urinate during the night
- Blood in the urine
- Change in sexual function and performance
There are many factors that will affect the risk of having cancer. Generally speaking men with a family history of prostate cancer will be 2 to 3 times more likely to get it themselves. There is no superfood diet that can 100% eliminate the risk of getting cancer however the risk can be decreased with a healthy diet high in fibre and low in fat and sugars.
Diagnosis of prostate cancer
There are many tests that can gather information about the prostate and urinary tracts. There are less evasive methods such as Ultrasound, CT scans and cytoscopy. There is one test that can confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the body, which is a biopsy. A doctor will remove a small piece of the prostate to examine under microscope.
In some cases, it may be possible to avoid a biopsy. The Hospital is able to offer the most modern prostate imaging using our MRI scanner. The multiparametric 3T MRI offers improved accuracy in the assessment of small areas of prostate tumour and to assess any potential spread. This enables more superior and personalised care. If the scan reveals an abnormality, we offer a highly skilled image-guided prostate biopsy.
Treatment of prostate cancer
Early prostate cancer:
For cancer in the early stages, there are various different treatment options available depending on the circumstances of each case. These may include:
- Watchful waiting – This is for patients who may not be fit enough for more invasive procedures.
- Active surveillance – Generally speaking, this means that a doctor will study the rate of growth in cancer over a period of time to determine whether a cancer is growing and whether to start any treatment.
Advanced prostate cancer:
When the urologist has determined that the cancer is megastatic they will then make the decision on whether or not to start further treatment. There are many variations of treatment available. Some of the options may be:
- Hormonal therapy – This is the next stage after watchful waiting before surgery or radiotherapy. The urologist will give the patient an injection or tablets in order to cease the production of hormones in the gland which the cancer depends on.
- Chemotherapy – When hormonal therapy is no longer working chemotherapy can take its place. This is the use of anti-cancerous drugs designed to shrink and control the size of the cancer.
- Surgery – An urologist will perform a prostatectomy and remove the entire prostate in order to remove the cancerous cells.
- Radiotherapy – The aim of this is to destroy the cancerous cells through the use of a high energy x-rays whilst still trying to preserve the healthy cells.
Find out more with our prostate cancer FAQ.
London Urology prostate clinic appointments
Mr Ronald Miller is an expert in urological cancers and was responsible for the standards and outcomes of urological cancer and surgery in the North London Cancer Network Urology Board for 5 years. Mr Miller has 25 years of experience at the consultant level in all aspects of clinical and academic urology. To ask a question or book an appointment you can call us on 020 7432 8297 or email us at [email protected].
Urology Clinic
Our private urology clinic in London uses the latest techniques to give you the best diagnosis, intervention and aftercare for any urology problem you may be suffering from, allowing you to get back to your normal life as soon as possible. We provide our urology Consultants with the most modern diagnostic equipment, so they can quickly find out what’s wrong. They also have four operating theatres at their disposal to carry out procedures, which cuts waiting times.
Patient information
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 020 7432 8297.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
