Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men, with statistics showing that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. The risk is even higher for Black men, where 1 in 4 are affected, and for those with a family history of the disease. Despite its prevalence, prostate cancer is often overlooked, particularly in primary care settings.
The positive news? Prostate cancer is typically slow-growing and, when detected early, responds well to treatment. While aggressive forms of the disease do exist, they are relatively rare. However, timely diagnosis is crucial to ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Recognizing the symptoms of prostate cancer
Symptoms of prostate cancer often mimic those of other, less serious conditions such as urinary tract infections or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland). These include:
- Frequent trips to the toilet, especially at night.
- Difficulty starting or maintaining the flow of urine.
- A persistent feeling of not emptying your bladder fully.
- An urgent need to urinate or visible blood in your urine.
- Erectile dysfunction.
These signs are common in older men and can make diagnosing prostate cancer more challenging. Nonetheless, they should never be dismissed, and healthcare providers have a duty to investigate them thoroughly.
Where medical negligence can occur
General practitioners (GPs) are usually the first point of contact for men experiencing urinary symptoms. Their role involves conducting initial tests and referring patients to specialists when necessary. Unfortunately, this is also where mistakes can happen.
For instance, a GP may fail to perform key tests, misinterpret results, or delay making a referral. In some cases, errors occur further down the line. We’ve seen instances where urologists have overlooked vital tests, leading to missed diagnoses and delays in treatment.
The earlier prostate cancer is identified, the greater the chance of treatment with curative intent. Delays can result in the cancer spreading, leaving treatment options limited to controlling the disease rather than curing it—a devastating outcome for the individual and their family.
What should happen during an initial assessment?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provides clear guidelines for identifying and managing suspected prostate cancer. When a patient presents with lower urinary tract symptoms, the following should occur:
- PSA Test: A blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can indicate a problem with the prostate.
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): A physical exam to check for abnormalities in the prostate, such as enlargement.
If the results of these tests are concerning—such as a prostate that doesn’t feel normal during the DRE or PSA levels above the age-specific range—a referral to a urologist should be made. Under NICE guidelines, this referral should take place within two weeks to ensure timely follow-up.
The limitations of PSA testing
It’s worth noting that elevated PSA levels don’t always indicate cancer. Various factors can influence PSA levels, including certain medications, recent sexual activity, vigorous exercise, or urinary infections. To avoid false positives, it’s crucial that tests are timed appropriately—ideally after any infection has cleared.
Doctors should also compare PSA levels over time. If medication is prescribed for urinary symptoms, a baseline PSA test should be conducted beforehand, with follow-up tests scheduled to monitor changes.
When things go wrong
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and you believe an earlier diagnosis was missed, you may have grounds to explore a medical negligence claim. Delays in diagnosing cancer can have profound consequences, affecting not only treatment options but also long-term health outcomes.
At Enable Law, we understand how distressing this situation can be. Our specialist team is here to support you, offering expert advice tailored to your circumstances. Whether it’s investigating your case or guiding you through the claims process, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Get in touch with us
If you’d like to discuss your experience, our dedicated cancer compensation claims team is just a phone call or email away. We’re here to help you navigate this challenging time with sensitivity and expertise.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
