According to statistics from Cancer Research UK, over 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the country each year, making it the most common cancer in men.
Prostate cancer is very treatable if it is found early with survival rates of up to 90%.
How often should men have a prostate screening?
40 - 49 years of age
If there is a family history or personal history of prostate cancer then doctors will recommend men to undertake a prostate exam from the age of 40 with semi regular exams either biannually or annually, dependant on the initial PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) results.
50 years and above
Men at the age of 50 and above may require an annual PSA test. If the patient has a suitably low PSA level this may mean they would require no further testing for a period of 10 to 15 years.
The frequency of PSA testing depends on a number of factors including age, family history, health and even race with black men twice as likely to suffer from prostate cancer than white men.
However, every man should be tested for the first time between the ages of 40 and 55, with follow up treatment being decided at this time.
If you are between these ages, please contact us to book an appointment with Mr Marc Lucky, Consultant Urologist at The Sefton Suite for a thorough prostate examination.