New self-referral prostate cancer service launched in Southampton
Those seeking help can now do so without being referred by a GP
A new self-referral service is being launched in Southampton for men who have symptoms of prostate cancer, or are at higher risk of developing it.
It comes following a “dramatic drop” in referrals which led to a decrease of 23 per cent in men starting treatment across the region at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although referrals have increased in recent weeks, experts at the University Hospitals Southampton NHS Trust (UHS) say there are still many men “missing” from the usual numbers seen in clinic.
It is estimated that one in eight men will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime and more than 11,500 die from the disease every year in the UK.
Tim Dudderidge, consultant urological surgeon at UHS who is co-leading the pilot scheme, said:
“The dramatic drop in referrals caused by the Covid pandemic means far more men are living with high grade prostate cancer with the potential to spread without knowing it which is very worrying.
“Unfortunately, many of these missing men won’t be referred to our clinic until the cancer has spread and curative treatment is no longer an option.
“That’s why we’re committed to raising awareness of the disease and developing a new self-referral system that will make it easier for men who are at higher risk to access our service with ease.”
The project focuses on improving access to specialists, raising awareness of early symptoms and information about testing.
If considered high risk after completing an initial assessment questionnaire, men will be offered a range of investigations without the need for a GP referral.
These include a blood test known as a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test which measures levels of a protein in the blood that is only found in the prostate gland and is often elevated in men with this form of cancer.
They will also be offered other tests if required, such as scans, urinary function assessment and prostate biopsies.
Prostate symptoms or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can include slow urine flow, going frequently, getting up at night, difficulty emptying the bladder or blood in the urine.
Men with early disease often have no symptoms while those who do suffer symptoms could find they are related to prostate enlargement, though they can also occur with advancing prostate cancer.
More than 47,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK and it is the most common form of cancer in men. It occurs mainly in men aged over 50.
Doctors are hoping the new system will combat the drop in referrals by allowing men to access the specialist service directly while also helping to reduce pressure on primary care settings such as GP practices.
Mr Dudderidge added:
“We desperately need an effective early detection process for prostate cancer in the UK and this project should take us one step closer to making that a reality.
“I hope that with greater awareness and better diagnostics, coupled with less risky treatments, men will experience the benefits of treatment without the same harms.
“If successful, this project may also form the basis of a solution to the national decline in numbers of men coming forward for testing.”
Men can self-refer to UHS by emailing prostatehealthtest@uhs.nhs.uk where they will receive an automated response with information and a prostate cancer risk assessment questionnaire
If they wish to proceed to testing they can request an appointment for a PSA test and nurse-led urinary assessment.
If this assessment highlights the need for further investigation, an MRI will be performed to determine if a cancer is present or advice and treatment of urinary symptoms will be provided.
Men are also able to check their PSA results and see clinic letters using the My Medical Record app which is free and available to any patient who has used services at UHS.