Cambridge Urology Partnership

Prostate Health

Prostate Health & Screening

Prostate health is about managing your risk of cancer, enlargement, and inflammation. Most men face prostate changes as they age, so regular checks and early action are key to keeping your bladder and kidneys healthy and your life on track.

Key Takeaways

  • Prostate health is about managing your risk of cancer, enlargement, and inflammation. Most men face prostate changes as they age, so regular checks and early action are key to keeping your bladder and kidneys healthy and your life on track.
  • We offer specialist diagnostics and treatments. Book a consultation to discuss your options.

Clinical Overview

Understanding Prostate Health & Screening

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland found only in men. It sits tucked away between your bladder and your penis, right in front of the rectum. Its main job is to produce the fluid that carries and protects your sperm. As you get older, it is very common for the prostate to change—usually by getting larger or, in some cases, developing cancerous cells.

Looking after your prostate in the UK involves a "three-pillar" approach: screening for Prostate Cancer, managing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) to keep your urine flowing well, and treating Prostatitis (inflammation or infection). Modern care is now "personalised," meaning your GP will look at your specific risk factors to decide how often you need a check-up.

We have seen a revolution in how we find prostate issues. In the UK, we now use multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) scans. These high-tech images allow doctors to see exactly what is happening inside the gland. This often means we can rule out serious problems or target a biopsy much more accurately, avoiding unnecessary procedures for many men.

What to Look For

Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

Recognising early signs and understanding the underlying causes of your condition is the first step toward recovery. This guide outlines common symptoms, when to seek specialist advice, and the factors that may influence your health.

01

Common Symptoms

  • Feeling like you need to pee more often, especially during the night (nocturia).

  • A weak or "stop-start" flow of urine.

  • Straining or taking a long time to start peeing.

  • Feeling that your bladder hasn't quite emptied after you've finished.

  • Sudden, urgent needs to get to the toilet, which might sometimes lead to leaks.

  • Pain or a burning sensation when peeing.

  • Seeing blood in your urine or your semen.

  • Deep aches or pain in your lower back, hips, or pelvic area.

02

When to Seek Help

  • Any visible blood: Seeing blood in your pee or semen should always be checked quickly.

  • Acute Retention: Suddenly being unable to pee at all (this is a medical emergency).

  • PSA Concerns: If a blood test shows your PSA levels are rising or are higher than expected for your age.

  • Exam Findings: If a doctor feels a firm or irregular lump during a physical examination.

  • Infection Signs: Severe pelvic pain combined with a high temperature, shivering, or feeling very unwell.

03

Potential Causes

  • Ageing: Natural shifts in hormones (like testosterone) cause the gland to grow as you get older.

  • DNA changes: Genetic mutations that cause cells to multiply too quickly (leading to cancer).

  • Infection: Bacteria entering the prostate can cause painful inflammation.

  • Physical Tension: Chronic tension in the pelvic floor muscles.

  • Metabolic Health: Your diet and weight can influence how the prostate grows and reacts to inflammation.

04

Risk Factors

  • Age: The chance of having an enlarged prostate or cancer rises significantly after you turn 50.

  • Ethnicity: This is a major factor in the UK. 1 in 4 Black men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 8 White men.

  • Family History: You are at higher risk if your father or brother has had prostate cancer, especially if they were diagnosed at a young age.

  • Weight: Living with obesity is linked to more aggressive forms of prostate disease.

  • Lifestyle: A diet high in processed fats and low in fruit and vegetables may increase your risk.

Importance of Diagnosis

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Finding out what is happening early is the best way to protect your future. If prostate cancer is caught while it is still "localised" (contained within the gland), the 5-year survival rate in the UK is nearly 100%. Early action literally saves lives.

Equally, an enlarged prostate (BPH) might not be cancer, but if left untreated, it can cause the bladder to work too hard. Over time, this constant pressure can lead to permanent bladder damage or even kidney failure. A clear diagnosis also prevents "over-treatment"—many issues are slow-growing and can be safely monitored through Active Surveillance rather than jumping straight to surgery.

Importance of Diagnosis

Diagnostic Options & Investigations

To accurately identify the cause of your symptoms, our specialists use a range of targeted investigations. Explore the diagnostic tests below to understand how we confirm a diagnosis and plan your recovery.

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Living With Condition

Living With Prostate Health & Screening

  • Active Surveillance
  • Medical Therapy
  • Minimally Invasive Surgery
  • Robotic Prostatectomy
  • Targeted Radiotherapy

Living with a prostate condition is much more manageable than it used to be. Many men find that "watchful waiting" or simple daily medications are all they need to stay healthy. Small habits can make a big difference—for example, cutting down on caffeine and alcohol in the evening can significantly reduce those annoying midnight trips to the bathroom.

What you eat matters, too. UK studies suggest that a "prostate-friendly" diet—including plenty of cooked tomatoes (which contain lycopene), green tea, and vegetables like broccoli—can support long-term health. Staying active with low-impact exercises like walking can also help keep pelvic inflammation down and improve your mood.

Don't ignore the emotional side. It’s completely normal to feel anxious about your PSA levels or worried about your "manhood" after a diagnosis. Joining a support group or talking openly with your urology team can help you navigate these feelings. Remember, looking after your prostate is just another part of staying fit for the long haul.

Short-Term Complications

04
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Because the bladder doesn't empty fully, bacteria can grow.
  • Bladder Spasms: Painful "cramps" in the bladder as it tries to push past the prostate.
  • Broken Sleep: Feeling exhausted because you are waking up 3 or 4 times a night to pee.
  • PSA Anxiety: The stress of waiting for screening results (which is why having a supportive medical team is so important).

Long-Term Complications

04
  • Bladder Stones: Hard lumps that form from "old" urine left in the bladder.
  • Kidney Disease: Back-pressure from the bladder that eventually damages the kidneys (hydronephrosis).
  • Spread (Metastasis): If cancer isn't caught, it can spread to the bones, causing pain and fractures.
  • Permanent Dysfunction: If treatment is delayed too long, it can be harder to resolve issues with erections or bladder control.

Treatment Options

Treatment Options & Care Pathways

Explore the specialist interventions available for Prostate Health & Screening. We offer a range of evidence-based treatments designed to address your specific symptoms, focusing on long-term recovery and your personal health goals.

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Specialists

Our specialists for Prostate Health & Screening

Leading experts for this condition. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.

Our Commitment

Care you can trust

Every step of your care is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.

Consultant-Led Excellence

Receive evidence-based care delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.

Personalised Care Plans

Your consultant will design a bespoke plan tailored to your condition, health goals and lifestyle.

Hospital-Grade Safety

We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.

A Heritage of Trust

Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.

Patient Guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about specialist referrals and consultations.

3 questions

No. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the gland that happens to almost all men as they get older. While BPH and cancer can cause similar urinary symptoms, they are different conditions. Having BPH does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer, but you can have both at the same time.

Reviewed 2 Mar 2026

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General guidelines recommend starting a conversation about PSA screening at age 50. However, if you are Black or have a father or brother who had prostate cancer, you should start earlier, typically at age 45. In 2026, we focus on getting a 'baseline' PSA in your late 40s to track how it changes over time.

Reviewed 2 Mar 2026

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Diet is a powerful supportive tool but not a substitute for medical screening. A 'heart-healthy' diet low in red meat and high in plant-based nutrients like lycopene (found in cooked tomatoes) and selenium can help reduce inflammation and potentially slow the growth of a benignly enlarged prostate.

Reviewed 2 Mar 2026

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