Prostate Screening

What is Prostate Screening?

Prostate screening is designed to detect prostate problems, particularly prostate cancer, at an early stage. This is when treatment will be most effective. Unlike a single test, prostate screening typically involves multiple investigations, including PSA blood testing, digital rectal examination (DRE), and increasingly, multiparametric MRI scanning.

With one in every 8 men likely to be diagnosed with the condition, it's the most common cancer in men according to Prostate Cancer UK. Early detection through screening significantly improves outcomes, yet many men remain unaware of their prostate health or the screening options available.

At LivingCare, we provide comprehensive prostate screening at both our Leeds and Sheffield clinics. Our consultant urologists combine the latest diagnostic technology with personalised care, ensuring you understand your risk factors, screening results, and any necessary next steps.

How Prostate Screening Works

Prostate screening at LivingCare follows a comprehensive approach that combines multiple diagnostic methods. The process begins with a detailed consultation, during which your urologist discusses your medical history, family history, current symptoms, and concerns. This helps determine your individual risk level and guides the screening approach.

PSA blood testing forms the cornerstone of prostate screening, measuring prostate-specific antigen levels in your blood. Whilst elevated PSA can indicate cancer, it can also be raised by benign conditions. Your urologist interprets the results in the context of your age, prostate size, and other relevant factors. Serial measurements over time often provide more valuable information than a single reading.

Digital rectal examination (DRE) involves your urologist gently examining the prostate through the rectal wall with a gloved, lubricated finger. They assess the prostate's size, texture, and any irregularities. It takes only 20-30 seconds and provides valuable information that blood tests alone cannot reveal.

Multiparametric MRI scanning has revolutionised prostate cancer detection. This advanced imaging provides detailed pictures of the prostate, identifying suspicious areas that may require biopsy. MRI can detect aggressive cancers whilst helping avoid unnecessary biopsies for men with low-risk or no cancer. At LivingCare, we offer rapid access to prostate MRI with expert interpretation.

What Can Prostate Screening Be Used For?

Prostate screening serves multiple important purposes. The primary goal is early detection of prostate cancer, identifying the disease when curative treatment is most effective. Screening helps identify men at high risk who may benefit from enhanced surveillance, including those over 50 (or over 45 for men of African-Caribbean heritage or with family history), those with close relatives diagnosed young, and men with certain genetic factors.

Screening can also identify benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis (inflammation or infection), and establish baseline measurements for future comparison. Having a baseline PSA in your 40s or early 50s helps detect significant changes over time. Importantly, screening provides peace of mind for men concerned about their prostate health.

What to Expect When Receiving Prostate Screening

Before Your Appointment
‍You should avoid ejaculation and vigorous exercise (particularly cycling), for 48 hours beforehand, as these may elevate PSA levels. If you've had a urinary tract infection, wait until it's fully treated. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, particularly finasteride or dutasteride, as these can affect PSA levels. You can eat and drink normally.

During Your Appointment
‍You'll start with a thorough consultation, discussing your medical history, symptoms, and your family history regarding prostate problems. For a PSA blood test, a small sample is taken from your arm – it's quick and straightforward. The digital rectal examination follows. You'll lie on your side with knees drawn up whilst your urologist gently examines your prostate. If MRI scanning is recommended, this will be scheduled separately and takes about 30-45 minutes.

After Your Appointment
‍You can return to normal activities immediately. PSA results are typically available within 24-48 hours, whilst MRI results take 3-5 working days. If screening results are normal, your urologist will recommend an appropriate interval for repeat screening. If results indicate concerns, they'll discuss what further investigations, if any, are recommended.

Risks and Complications of Prostate Screening

Prostate screening carries minimal physical risks. The main considerations relate to the implications of results rather than the tests themselves. Overdiagnosis can occur, detecting slow-growing cancers that would never cause symptoms or complications. False positive results can cause anxiety during investigation, whilst false negatives can happen, though combining PSA, DRE, and MRI significantly reduces this risk.

Abnormal screening results often lead to a prostate biopsy, which carries risks including infection, bleeding, and discomfort. If cancer is detected, treatment decisions can be challenging, weighing benefits against potential side effects. At LivingCare, we ensure you understand these considerations before screening, providing balanced information to help you make informed decisions.

How to Prepare for Prostate Screening

Follow preparation guidelines, particularly avoiding ejaculation and vigorous exercise for 48 hours before PSA testing. Research and understand what screening involves and what results might mean. Consider your personal risk factors and preferences regarding intervention if problems are found.

References

• ‍Prostate Cancer UK – Prostate Screening Information
• ‍NHS – Prostate Cancer