Prostate cancer diagnosis
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK so managing your prostate health effectively is important. Most of the time, results of cancer screening checks are normal but if cancer is detected, the outcomes and treatment options are best when it’s detected early.
Although there’s no single test used to identify prostate cancer, it can be diagnosed through a combination of tests, including some or all of the following:
- Digital rectal exam
- PSA blood test
- MRI or mpMRI
- Prostate biopsy
It’s important to have the tests you need. Your doctor will also want to avoid any unnecessary tests as they can cause side effects.
Prostate cancer symptoms
Early prostate cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms, but as the cancer grows, it may start to press on the bladder and urethra causing symptoms.
Whilst non-cancerous conditions such as an enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can cause similar symptoms, it's best to get checked to identify the cause of the problem so any treatment can start without delay.
Find out more about prostate cancer, the signs, symptoms and associated risk factors here.
Prostate cancer screening
There’s currently no national prostate cancer screening programme in the UK. However, as the risk of prostate cancer increases from the age of 50, this is a good time to get your prostate checked and men over 50 can usually ask their GP for a PSA blood test. Your GP will explain the potential benefits and risks of having a PSA test.
Following a prostate check, your doctor can advise how often you should have a repeat check. This will vary depending on your individual level of risk.
Advanced prostate cancer diagnosis at GenesisCare
We provide fast access to advanced prostate cancer tests and scans at our UrologyHub outpatient clinics in Cambridge, Maidstone, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Windsor, with appointments with a leading prostate cancer expert, often within 24 hours.
Our consultants use state-of-the-art imaging technologies and diagnostic techniques to facilitate early detection and accurate diagnosis.
These include:
A simple blood test that measures prostate specific antigen, a protein made only by the prostate gland. High levels of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, though levels can increase naturally with age or with an enlarged or inflamed prostate.
According to Cancer Research UK, research has shown 1 in 7 men with a normal PSA level have prostate cancer. And 1 in 50 men with a normal PSA level have a fast-growing prostate cancer.
You may have seen home PSA testing kits available online. Although these can be used to detect the levels of PSA in your blood, they can’t be used on their own to detect if you have prostate cancer or not.
At GenesisCare we offer mpMRI (multi-parametric MRI) scans for prostate imaging as standard.
An mpMRI is a special type of MRI scan which produces a more detailed view of the prostate than a standard MRI. It provides information about how likely you are to have prostate cancer and help decide if you need to have a prostate biopsy.
We provide mpMRI prostate scans at our centres in Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Windsor and Oxford.
Find out more about mpMRI for prostate cancer screening
If tests show you’re at risk of prostate cancer, your doctor may advise you to have a prostate biopsy. In a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the prostate and analysed to see if cancerous cells are present. Doctors can then advise if any treatment is required.
Ultrasound scans are useful for investigating areas of soft tissue which don’t show up as well on an X-ray scan. They can help detect any changes in the appearance, size or outline of your organs. They can be used as part of additional tests such as a transperineal prostate biopsy
A PSMA PET-CT scan is an advanced and very precise imaging scan used in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. It’s used to assess whether the cancer has spread around the body and help the consultant plan a personalised treatment.
Prostate cancer risk assessment at GenesisCare
You can book an appointment to see one of our leading prostate cancer experts, if you:
- Have new or ongoing symptoms
- Aged 50 and over and not had an mpMRI prostate scan in the last 12 months
- Are 40+ and at higher risk of prostate cancer. This includes if you are:
- 40+ with a family history, or
- of black ethnicity
See a private urologist at GenesisCare
Book an appointment
Flexible appointments often within 24 hours - Monday to Friday at varying weekday and evening times.
How much do private tests and scans cost?
We’re recognised by all leading providers of private medical insurance. Before booking an appointment, you may need to call your insurer for authorisation or obtain a GP referral letter, depending on your provider.
Self-pay options are also available.
Indicative costs:
- Consultation from £250
- PSA test from £70
- mpMRI scan from £900
A full list of tests and costs is available on request.
Find out more about paying for treatment here.
Robust treatment pathway
For anyone receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis, you’re not alone. We provide a clear and comprehensive pathway from diagnosis to treatment with our consultants offering a variety of advanced treatment options.
Learn about the latest treatments we offer for prostate cancer, including advanced radiotherapy techniques that reduce side effects, chemotherapy and hormone therapy
FAQs
A PSA test is a blood test. You can have this through your GP or at GenesisCare. The test is quick and simple and shows the level of PSA (prostate specific antigen) in your blood.
A PSA test doesn’t show if you have cancer, but it can help your doctor advise next steps. Although a high PSA level can be a sign of prostate cancer, it may be caused by something else such as an enlarged prostate also referred to as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis). In addition, some men with prostate cancer may have a normal PSA result.
If you’re concerned about prostate cancer, you should seek medical advice. You can speak to your doctor or contact us to discuss your options.
Your doctor will ask you about any symptoms you’ve been experiencing as well as any risk factors you may have. It’s important to remember that if you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as changes to your urination this does not necessarily mean you have cancer. However, you should speak to a doctor for advice. It’s also important to be aware that prostate cancer doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms.
Your doctor will usually offer you a PSA blood test and a DRE (digital rectal examination). Depending on the results, further testing may be advised.
If you’re concerned about your risk of prostate cancer, it’s important to seek medical advice. It’s not possible to accurately assess your risk of prostate cancer or detect prostate cancer at home.
Reviewed by:
Mr Philip Charlesworth
Surgical Director of Uro Oncology at GenesisCare
August 2025
Our expert consultants
Mr Neil Haldar
MBBS(Lon), MD (University of London), FRCS (Eng), FRCS Urol
Consultant Urological surgeon
Windsor
Find a centre near you
Find your nearest GenesisCare centre for more information about our specialist outpatient cancer services that are available on-site or at partner hospitals.