Prostate Cancer

You might not notice any signs of prostate cancer in the early stages, but if something feels different or unusual, it’s always worth a check.

Perhaps you’re going to the toilet more often, especially at night, or finding it hard to empty your bladder fully. You might feel uncomfortable urinating or ejaculating. Or you might notice blood in your urine or semen. In later stages, you might have pain in your back, hips or chest, or numbness in your legs or feet.

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they should never be ignored. Finding prostate cancer early gives you the best chance for successful treatment.

When you come to see us, we’ll discuss what you’ve been experiencing and review your medical history. If we need to investigate further, we may recommend:

• A PSA blood test
• An MRI scan
• A digital rectal exam
• A biopsy

Rapid prostate diagnostic clinic

If you are between the ages of 50 and 80 and have a raised PSA level, are over the age of 40 with a family history of prostate or breast cancer, of Afro-Caribbean ethnicity or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, you may be eligible for our specialised private prostate cancer screening clinic. The clinic is designed to provide you with a swift, thorough and reassuring assessment, all in a single visit.

During your appointment you’ll receive:

• An MRI scan of your prostate
• Blood and urine tests
• A consultation with a urology specialist

Our goal is to provide clear answers quickly, so you’re not left waiting or worrying. You will meet with a consultant who will explain your test results and discuss what they may mean for your health. If they find any signs of prostate cancer, they will guide you through the next steps, which may include further tests or possible treatment options. Our aim is to ensure you feel informed, supported and confident in the decisions ahead.

Second Opinions for Prostate Cancer

Being told you may have prostate cancer can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re faced with important decisions about treatment. If you’re unsure about the next steps or simply want added reassurance, getting a second opinion can help you feel more confident and in control.

At Cleveland Clinic London, we can connect you with an expert who will review your diagnosis and offer clear, personalised advice to help you make informed decisions about your care. Second opinions are about giving you peace of mind — and making sure you have the information and support you need to make clear decisions about your care.

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are many effective treatment options. We will take the time to discuss your diagnosis in detail and work with you to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Prostate cancer often develops slowly, so you might not need treatment straight away. In some cases, careful monitoring — sometimes called “active surveillance” — may be all that’s required for the time being. If treatment becomes necessary, then prostate cancer is usually very treatable, particularly when it’s caught early.

From keeping a close eye on things with regular checkups to more advanced treatments, like surgery or other therapies, there are several options we may consider. These include:

• Active surveillance: We will closely monitor your condition through regular checkups and tests to track any changes.
• Watchful waiting: A less intensive approach, watchful waiting focuses on managing symptoms rather than frequent testing.
• Radiotherapy: This can be either internal (brachytherapy) or external beam treatment to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Robotic high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): A minimally invasive, robotic day case treatment, HIFU destroys early-stage prostate cancer cells with concentrated ultrasound waves.
• NanoKnife^®: This procedure targets and destroys cancer cells using precisely controlled electrical pulses.
• Cryotherapy: This procedure targets and destroys cancer cells using precise ice energy.
• Robotic prostatectomy: This minimally invasive surgery allows your surgeon to use robotic equipment to remove your prostate.
• Systemic therapies: These include chemotherapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy, especially if the cancer has spread beyond your prostate.

Each option has benefits and risks. Your care team will explain everything clearly and recommend the approach they feel is best for you.

It is also important for us to know if you’re hoping to have biological children in the future. If so, we’ll arrange for you to speak with a fertility specialist before starting certain treatments.

Care for an Enlarged Prostate

Not all prostate problems are cancer. If you are over 40 and are having trouble urinating or have a sudden urge to go, you may have a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — or an enlarged prostate.

Diagnosing an enlarged prostate

If we rule out cancer but suspect BPH, your consultant will do a digital rectal exam to see if your prostate is enlarged. They may also do an ultrasound and possibly a cystoscopy. This procedure uses a slender, lubricated tube with a tiny camera attached to examine inside your prostate and nearby organs. You’ll have anaesthesia during this procedure to stay comfortable.

Treating an enlarged prostate

Medications are often all you need to treat BPH. But if they are not helping or causing side effects, your consultant may recommend a minimally invasive procedure, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), which removes excess prostate tissue using an electric current or holminium laser enuculeation of the prostate (HoLEP) which achieves the same outcome using a laser.

Neither of these treatments requires any external incisions, and you will receive medication to keep you comfortable throughout. Depending on your symptoms, we may remove or shrink excess prostate tissue or make small internal cuts to help urine flow more easily.

If a transurethral procedure isn’t suitable, your specialist may recommend other treatments. These include options that use steam or tiny implants to reduce pressure on your urethra. In more severe cases, you may need surgery to clear the blockage. Your care team will help you understand which approach is best for your situation.

Paying for Private Prostate Cancer Care at Cleveland Clinic London

For your convenience, we offer two ways to finance your care with us. You may opt to self-pay, or if you prefer, we accept most major private medical insurance plans. If you need help navigating the payment process, we can connect you with a payment specialist.

What’s Next?

Prostate cancer is common, but an enlarged prostate can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to have any changes checked. If something feels unusual, we are here to help. At Cleveland Clinic London, our prostate cancer specialists provide expert, compassionate support from diagnosis through treatment and recovery. We support you every step of the way with clarity, reassurance and customised care.