Prostate cancer has recently gained attention following the news that Olympic cyclist, Sir Chris Hoy, has been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer. Hoy’s diagnosis is particularly significant given his family history, as both his father and grandfather had the disease.

Mr Sadmeet Singh, Consultant Urological Surgeon from East Midlands Urology said: “If a close family member, such as your father, brother, grandfather, or uncle, has had prostate cancer, especially at a younger age, your risk is significantly higher than average. Genetic predisposition makes knowing your family history crucial and requesting PSA tests early from your GP can give early indications of the disease.”

The Life-Saving Importance of Early Detection

Early detection significantly improves survival outcomes in prostate cancer. When caught in the early stages (1-3), the five-year survival rate is close to 100%, as the cancer is often localised and has not spread outside the prostate. In contrast, stage 4 prostate cancer, where the cancer has metastasised to other parts of the body, has a five-year survival rate that is roughly half that of early-stage prostate cancer.

For men with a family history of the disease, beginning PSA testing earlier—starting in their 40s instead of the standard recommendation of 50—can improve their odds of catching the disease early.

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques: Multi Parametric MRI and Transperineal Biopsies

For men at higher risk or those who have elevated PSA levels, recent advancements in diagnostic technology can improve the accuracy of detecting prostate cancer. One such advancement is the mpMRI which helps identify specific areas in the prostate that appear suspicious before a biopsy is performed. This targeted approach makes biopsies more accurate.

Additionally, Mr Singh recommends trans-perineal biopsies over traditional transrectal biopsies which also can be called trans faecal biopsies. Mr Singh said: “In a trans-perineal biopsy, samples are taken through the skin between the anus and scrotum, a method that reduces the risk of infection, is safer, and often yields more accurate results.”

Modern Treatments: Robotic Surgery and Targeted Radiotherapy

For those diagnosed with prostate cancer, advances in treatment have opened new options that are often less invasive and more effective than traditional therapies. For early-stage cancers, robotic-assisted surgery has become a leading option. Using robotic technology, surgeons can remove the prostate with greater precision and control than traditional open surgery, often resulting in shorter recovery times, reduced pain, and lower risk of complications such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Another highly effective treatment for prostate cancer is Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR). This advanced form of targeted radiotherapy delivers high doses of radiation with pinpoint accuracy to cancerous cells, minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. SABR is particularly beneficial for localized prostate cancer as it often requires fewer treatment sessions than conventional radiotherapy, while providing excellent control over tumour growth. Mr. Prantik Das explains, “Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy can treat prostate cancer patients in just five days, and with MRL guidance, we can adapt treatment to minimize toxicity to surrounding tissue, reducing side effects significantly.”

Sir Chris Hoy’s Advocacy: Raising Awareness for Men’s Health

Sir Chris Hoy mentioned that he hopes that his autobiography All That Matters can help others, as he revealed that writing the book  helped him deal with the health blow. “I really hope it will help anyone going through a difficult time, and let them see that it is possible to find hope and strength in any situation.”

If you have a family history of prostate cancer, or have been recently diagnosed and want to discuss options for treatment, please contact East Midlands Urology today by clicking here or calling us on 01332 890533.