November offers a useful reminder to make time for health concerns that are easy to
postpone. Perhaps someone in your family has had prostate cancer, you have noticed
a change when passing urine, or you simply want to understand what a prostate
check involves. A consultation is an opportunity to discuss those concerns before
deciding which investigations, if any, are appropriate.
Feeling well does not answer every question
Early prostate cancer may cause no symptoms. Equally, urinary changes do not
automatically mean cancer: benign prostate enlargement is another possible
explanation. New or persistent changes deserve assessment, rather than
assumptions based on age or an online checklist.
Your personal risk matters. Age, Black African or African Caribbean background, and
family history can influence that discussion. Mention relevant cancers in close
relatives, including prostate, breast or ovarian cancer, and any known inherited
genetic changes. Having a risk factor does not mean you have cancer.
What a PSA test can tell you
The PSA blood test measures a protein produced by the prostate. A raised result can
have several explanations, including benign enlargement or inflammation; it is not a
cancer diagnosis. A reassuring result cannot completely exclude cancer either.
Testing can lead to further investigations, and sometimes to finding cancers that
would never have caused harm. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks before
agreeing to it.
If testing is recommended, ask how to prepare. Recent infection, ejaculation, exercise
and some medicines can affect interpretation. Follow the instructions given by the
clinician arranging your test, and do not stop prescribed medication yourself. 4
Make the appointment useful to you
Bring previous results, a medication list and a short account of what has changed.
Useful questions include: “What does my family history mean for me?”, “What would
this test change?” and “Who will explain the result and organise follow-up?” You do
not need to arrive knowing which test to request.
At the end of the conversation, aim to leave with a clear next step: testing,
monitoring or further assessment, plus an explanation of when to seek help sooner.
This is more useful than treating a single number as a complete picture of your
health.
Discuss prostate health at Dottore London
You can explore our urology service and request a consultation in Italian or English. If
you are concerned about your risk, raise it even if you feel well. Visible blood in your
urine or an inability to pass urine needs urgent medical advice through your GP or
NHS 111; do not wait for a routine booking.
November 2026 offer: 15% off urology and andrology consultations. Contact the
clinic for booking details and applicable terms.