HCA - London's premier private cancer network

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer affecting men.  The symptoms of prostate cancer are not specific. Most commonly it is a difficulty in passing urine (although this condition also affects the majority of men after middle-age and is usually benign). In addition, many men are reluctant to discuss health concerns with other people and, as a result, prostate cancer diagnosis can be delayed.

Although there is no screening programme in place in the UK, it has been shown that early detection and intervention does increase the cure rate for prostate cancer. The majority of cases of prostate cancer are in men approaching or after retirement age.  However, the incidence starts to increase after the age of 40.

At HCA we have developed a specialist prostate screening programme which is designed for men over the age of 40 to fully assess their prostate health:

• Patients receive an information pack and complete a self-assessment questionnaire on urinary function, sexual function and general health.
• A clinical nurse specialist then conducts a urine test, blood pressure check, height and weight measurement, urinary flow rate and bladder scan.
• A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is then carried out via a blood sample.
• A clinical examination is then undertaken by a doctor, together with a consultation about the results.

In addition to the above, there are extra, optional tests that can be included:

• External ultrasound examination of the testicles.
• Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) of the prostate gland.
• Blood analysis - full blood count, haemoglobin, urea and electrolyte balance, liver function tests, testosterone, cholesterol and lipid levels, iron and fasting glucose, serum protein assessment and gout risk test (uric acid).

Breast cancer now affects 1 in every 9 women in the UK, so it is likely that you may already know a friend or a family member that has been recently diagnosed or is going through treatment.  Breast screening has been proven to reduce the risk of death from breast cancer by 40%.

At HCA we advise that you are screened regularly. The recommended age for breast screening is 40, although some women are advised to start the screening process earlier if they are at a high risk genetically. If you are over 50 or high risk, you should be screened every 12-15 months and in some cases an MRI may also be required. 

At HCA, we offer a very comprehensive breast screening service, designed for women over the age of 40 and using the latest digital mammography equipment.  However, if you are younger than this, or are perhaps looking for a second opinion, then, as a private patient, you are able to have a breast screen whenever you would like.

We have one-stop breast clinics which run at times convenient to you. These are consultant-led clinics which provide rapid, often same-day diagnostics based in four of our hospitals. Some clinics are held in the evenings and you can be seen the next day.

The breast screen programme:

• You will receive a breast care awareness pack.
• A specially qualified radiographer conducts a digital mammogram which will provide a detailed image of the breast tissue
• A written report is prepared and sent to your GP - this will normally be within 10 days. The GP will make contact with you, in the event that any follow-up is required.