Diagnostic Test
Prostate Screening
A proactive check to detect prostate cancer early. In the UK, this usually involves a PSA blood test and, if needed, a detailed MRI scan to ensure your prostate stays healthy.
Key Takeaways
- A proactive check to detect prostate cancer early. In the UK, this usually involves a PSA blood test and, if needed, a detailed MRI scan to ensure your prostate stays healthy.
- We offer specialist interpretation and related treatments. Book a consultation to discuss your options.
Overview
About Prostate Screening
This involves assessment of the lower urinary function and the risks for prostate cancer in symptom-free well men or men with symptoms suggesting a problem with the lower urinary tract. The goal is to exclude cancer and help men with their symptoms. Modern screening is designed to avoid diagnosis of insignificant disease to avoid unnecessary worries or treatments.
The screening and assessment process (often called a "prostate check") typically starts little invasive with scoring of symptoms, a PSA blood test and a flow test. If your blood levels are higher than expected for your age, the next step is almost always a specialised mpMRI scan to get a detailed look at the gland.
Some patients ask for genetic testing which is inferior to our MRI screening but we can provide this with one of our partners.
Test Information
Understanding Your Test
A detailed guide to your diagnostic procedure — from essential preparation and the purpose of the test to safety considerations and what to expect during the process.
The process usually happens in stages:
The Blood Test: A simple PSA test at your GP surgery or clinic.
The Consultation: Discussing your results and any family history.
The Urinary function test: Measuring the strength of the urinary stream and bladder filling and scoring your symptoms
The MRI (if needed): If your PSA is raised, you will have an mpMRI scan. This "maps" the prostate to see if there are any suspicious spots.
The Biopsy (if needed): If the MRI shows a specific target, a precision biopsy is performed to confirm if cancer cells are present.
Many men can avoid a physical rectal exam (DRE) in the first instance, as MRI scans are now considered much more accurate for screening.
The start of the screening is just a standard blood draw—a quick needle prick in the arm. If you need an MRI, you will have to lie still in a scanner for about 35 minutes, which is painless but can be noisy. If a biopsy is eventually required, it is done under local anaesthetic to make it as comfortable as possible. Most men tell us the most "uncomfortable" part is the anxiety of waiting for the results.
For many men Prostate symptoms cause concern about cancer. Our assessment aims at excluding prostate cancer which most commonly is not related to urinary symptoms and to allow us to address the urinary symptoms with peace of mind.
Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms at all. Screening is the only way to catch it before it has a chance to spread. We use an "Informed Choice" model of assessment. This means men over 50 (or over 45 if you are Black or have a family history) can request a PSA test after discussing the pros and cons with their GP or consultant.
At a glance
Preparation required
- Avoid Ejaculation: Do not have sex or masturbate for 48 hours before your blood test.
- Avoid Vigorous Exercise: Do not go cycling or do heavy gym work for 48 hours before the test.
- Check for Infection: If you have a stinging sensation when you pee or a fever, wait until the infection has cleared before testing.
- Know Your History: Be ready to tell your doctor if your father or brother has had prostate cancer, or if there is a history of breast/ovarian cancer in your family.
- Attend clinic well-hydrated with a comfortably filled bladder. Ask the receptionist or nurse on arrival if a flow test is required.
Risks or considerations
- Over-diagnosis: The test might find a very slow-growing cancer that would never have caused you any problems in your lifetime.
- Over-treatment: Treating those slow-growing cancers can sometimes lead to side effects like urinary or erectile issues.
- False Positives: Your PSA might be high because of an infection or just getting older, leading to unnecessary worry.
- False Negatives: In rare cases, a PSA test can miss an aggressive cancer if the levels remain naturally low.
What it can help diagnose
- Early-stage Prostate Cancer: Finding tumours before they cause symptoms.
- Aggressive Tumours: Spotting high-grade cancers that need urgent treatment.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate.
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- Genetic Risk: Identifying if you may be at higher risk due to family history or gene mutations (like BRCA2).
Our Commitment
Care you can trust
Every test 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 treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific 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 this test and what to expect
3 questions
As of early 2026, the UK has introduced a *targeted* screening programme specifically for men aged 45–61 with known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, who are at much higher risk. For the general population, there is no automatic 'invite,' but any man over 50 (or over 45 for Black men and those with a family history) has the right to request a PSA test from their GP
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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While many doctors still use the digital rectal exam, modern guidelines in 2026 suggest it is no longer mandatory for initial screening if you are having a PSA test and have access to an MRI. The MRI is far more accurate at 'seeing' the prostate than a finger is at 'feeling' it. However, a DRE is still useful if you have actual urinary symptoms.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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The MRI is a 'game-changer' because it acts as a filter. Before MRI was standard, most men with a high PSA went straight to a biopsy. Today, if your MRI is clear (PI-RADS 1 or 2), you can often safely avoid a biopsy altogether. This drastically reduces the number of men undergoing unnecessary invasive procedures.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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