Before prostate MRI became a routine part of many diagnostic pathways, men with suspected prostate cancer often moved directly from a raised PSA result to biopsy. If you had an elevated PSA level, you may have been referred for a biopsy without having detailed information about whether a significant cancer was likely to be present. … Read more
For many years, diagnosing prostate cancer relied mainly on systematic biopsies, where multiple samples were taken from different areas of the prostate using ultrasound guidance. While this approach helped detect cancer, it could sometimes miss important tumours or identify lower-risk cancers that may never have caused problems during your lifetime. The PRECISION Trial changed how … Read more
When you are diagnosed with localised prostate cancer, one of the most important decisions you may face is whether to have immediate treatment or monitor the cancer closely over time. The ProtecT Trial helped transform understanding of this choice by comparing three commonly used approaches: surgery, radiotherapy, and active monitoring. The study became one of … Read more
If you have been advised to consider prostate cancer surgery, you may be concerned about whether another medical condition could make the operation unsafe. You might have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, breathing difficulties or a history of previous surgery. Having another health condition does not automatically mean that you cannot undergo prostate cancer … Read more
A prostate cancer diagnosis can bring many questions, especially if you have previously been told that you have an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). You may wonder whether the enlargement will affect your treatment options or make surgery more complicated. The good news is that having BPH does not usually prevent … Read more
If you smoke and are preparing for prostate cancer surgery, you may wonder whether stopping is really necessary. You may also worry that quitting will add more stress at a time when you are already dealing with your diagnosis and treatment decisions. Stopping smoking before surgery is strongly recommended because smoking can affect your lungs, … Read more
If you have sleep apnoea and are preparing for prostate cancer surgery, you may be concerned about whether it increases the risks associated with anaesthesia or recovery. Sleep apnoea does not automatically mean that surgery is not possible, but it is important for your surgical and anaesthetic teams to know about your condition. This allows … Read more
If you have had abdominal or pelvic surgery in the past and are now considering robotic prostate cancer surgery, you may wonder whether your previous operation could affect your treatment. This is a common concern, particularly if you have been told that internal scar tissue or adhesions may be present. Understanding how previous surgery can … Read more
If you have chronic kidney disease and have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may wonder whether surgery is still an option for you. In many cases, the answer is yes. Whether surgery is suitable depends on the severity of your kidney disease, your overall health, and the characteristics of your prostate cancer. A thorough … Read more
If you take blood thinners and have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may wonder whether your medication could affect your ability to have surgery. Many men use anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines for conditions such as atrial fibrillation, previous blood clots, heart disease, or stroke prevention. In most cases, taking blood thinners does not automatically … Read more
