Prostate Cancer – The Facts from Mr Paul Erotocritou, Consultant Urological Surgeon

1. What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 1 in 8 men in the UK being diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives.

2. Who does it affect?

It is rare for men under the age of 40 years to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is more commonly seen in men of 40 years and above, and the risk increases with age.

Other risk factors include family history; The risk of prostate cancer is increased in men who have had a father or brother diagnosed with this. Prostate cancer is also more commonly seen in black men more than white men.

3. What are the signs/symptoms of prostate cancer?

Often, there may be no signs of prostate cancer. However, where present, signs can include needing to pass urine more often, waking up to pee at night, needing to strain to pass water, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, blood in the urine or ejaculation and bone pain.

4. What should I do if I am experiencing any of these symptoms?

If showing any of the signs above or if concerned about your risk of prostate cancer you should seek medical assessment. More often than not assessment will reveal an enlarged non-cancerous prostate, for which some form of treatment may be recommended. Should an assessment result in a diagnosis of prostate cancer, this would mean treatment options can be discussed with you as soon as possible.

5. How do you diagnose prostate cancer?

In the main, assessment includes a blood test called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, as well as a rectal examination of the prostate.

If your doctor is concerned in regards to either your PSA test result or rectal examination, further tests may be planned in the form of a prostate MRI and a biopsy if required.

6. What are the treatment options?

There are a range of treatment options if one is diagnosed with prostate cancer. These can range from close monitoring by yourself and your doctor, if treatment is not immediately necessary, to surgery or radiotherapy. There will often be a number of treatment options which can be offered depending on the results of any biopsy, MRI scan and further tests undertaken.

Mr Paul Erotocritou is a Consultant Urological Surgeon at Highgate Private Hospital, specialising in adult general urology, endo-urology and stones. He is part of the Highgate Urology Group, which offers readily available appointments for male and female urology problems, 6 days a week (Mon-Sat) at Highgate Private Hospital.

A private initial consultation with Mr Erotocritou at Highgate Private Hospital costs £250 if you are self-funding your treatment. The hospital is approved by all major health insurers, and so welcomes patients with private health insurance.

To book an appointment click here, or see below for contact details:

T: 0208 341 4182

E: enquiries@highgatehospital.co.uk