We know how worrying a cancer diagnosis is. And how the stress of needing more invasive diagnostic procedures, is likely to add to this worry.
We’ve teamed up with Check4Cancer to develop a prostate cancer diagnostic pathway which may help you avoid unnecessary invasive procedures such as a biopsy.
So, if you have suspected prostate cancer, follow this guide to find out how we can support you.
Quick access to assessments
- You have a raised PSA level. This could have been identified through your GP, a screening programme or a health assessment to name but a few options.
- Call us – you won’t need a GP referral first. Our team will ask you some questions to make sure this journey is right for you.
- You’ll then be referred onto Check4Cancer for an initial assessment.
- Their clinical team will then guide you through the appropriate clinical route; either booking an mpMRI scan or a consultation.
- An appointment will usually be available within five working days.
- Consultations are with a specialist within our network, who are regularly reviewed for quality.
Call us
To access the prostate cancer self referral service call the claims helpline on 0800 068 7111.
Expert support
We work closely with our provider, Check4Cancer, who are an award-winning company, leading the field in diagnostic pathways.
The good news is that many people are given the all clear. However if further treatment is required, or you need to return to the care of your GP please call us so we can explain the next steps.
A cancer diagnosis, and even the prospect of one, can be an extremely stressful and worrying time for you and your loved ones.
You can therefore take comfort in knowing we have dedicated cancer nurses, available to you, via the phone, to provide support from day one. Our dedicated cancer nurses have extensive knowledge, insight and experience in helping individuals who are facing a possible diagnosis of cancer or undergoing treatment for cancer. They’ll be there to support you and your family over the phone, from diagnosis and throughout treatment. If required, contact our team, who will seek to pre-authorise your treatment in line with your available benefits.
To speak to our specialist dedicated cancer nurses, please call the claims line on 0800 068 7111 (9am – 5pm Monday to Friday). Outside of these hours our experienced nurses provide round the clock support by phone on 0800 027 1393.
Know the signs of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors, so you can get it checked out quickly.
Do you know the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Symptoms don’t usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra). When this happens, you may notice things like:
- an increased need to urinate
- straining while you urinate
- a feeling that your bladder hasn’t fully emptied
- pain when urinating (this is rare)
- blood in the urine or semen (this is rare).
These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored, but they don’t mean you have prostate cancer. It’s more likely they’re caused by something else, such as prostate enlargement which is a common non-cancerous problem.
Are you at risk?
The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. However, certain things can increase your risk of developing the condition:
Age – the chances of developing prostate cancer increase as you get older. Most cases develop in men aged 50 or older.
Ethnicity – for reasons not yet understood, prostate cancer is more common in men of African-Caribbean or African descent, and less common in Asian men.
Family history – men whose father or brother have been affected by prostate cancer under the age of 70, or where there is a family history, are at a slightly increased risk themselves of developing the condition.
Weight – recent research also suggests that obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer.
What you need to do if you’re concerned
Currently there are no set screening programmes in the UK for prostate cancer. So if you’re experiencing any symptoms or are worried about your risk, please visit your GP.
For further support
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