Prostate Test Package
This package is designed to provide an easy way to access a PSA blood test and speak to a gp about the results or to discuss prostate cancer screening and arrange tests if appropriate with a gp.
With increased awareness of prostate cancer in the news and more public awareness around testing for prostate cancer. As part of our Men’s Health Services, Total Health West Berkshire has put together this prostate test package as an easy and affordable way to find out more information about your prostate.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small walnut sized gland located just below the bladder. When men pass urine the tube the urine passes through on its journey out of the body goes through the prostate. This is why if your prostate enlarges as you age you can have trouble passing urine.
What is a PSA blood test?
A PSA blood tests prostate specific antigen, this is a protein that is normally produced by your prostate, it’s level can be measured in a blood test.
If the level is raised it could be an indicator of prostate cancer, BUT you can have a raised PSA level due to conditions other than prostate cancer such as a urine infection.
This is why we have a GP appointment included in the package so that you can discuss your symptoms and results and the best course of action with a GP.
What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
- Difficult or pain in passing urine
- Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine
- Frequent visits to the toilet, especially at night
- Starting and stopping while urinating
- Dribbling urine
- A feeling of not having emptied the bladder fully
However it is important to note that prostate cancer can have no symptoms at all and having the above symptoms does not mean that you have prostate cancer there can be other causes of these symptoms.
What is the likelihood of having prostate cancer? Should I have PSA test?
The risk of getting prostate cancer varies due to several risk factors.
For instance around 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lives. The risk rises to 1 in 4 for Black men.
Around half of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are over 70.
If you have a family history of your Father or Brother having prostate cancer, especially if they were under 60 then it can increase your risk.
Prostate cancer cells tend to grow very slowly, so many men will live their whole lives without the cancer being discovered or causing symptoms.
If you would like to check your risk of prostate cancer then Prostate Cancer UK has this risk checker which takes just 30 seconds to complete.
It can help you decide if you would like to book the prostate test package.
Prostate Blood Test and Consultation
Prostate Test Consultation £130 – Consultation only
A 30 minute consultation with a private GP to discuss any symptoms you may have with your prostate and whether a PSA test is right for you.
Prostate Test Package £215 – Blood test and Consultation
Step 1: A PSA blood test with our phlebotomist.
Step2 : A 30 minute consultation including physical examination as required with a GP to discuss any symptoms you have and your PSA blood test results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Private General Practitioners
Dr James Cave (He/Him)
GP
James is a senior General Practitioner with over 30 years of experience. He has a wealth of experience in all aspects of medicine including Cardiovascular disease (particularly the management of cholesterol and blood pressure), Respiratory diseases, Endocrine, ENT, Musculoskeletal, and Rheumatology.
His work as Editor-in-Chief of the medical journal Drug & Therapeutics Bulletin means he has significant expertise in understanding the pros and cons of drugs and enjoys working with patients to understand what might be best for them rather than satisfying a target set elsewhere.
He has a particular interest in the care of older people and does offer a visiting service. He believes passionately in personal care and understands how difficult it has become for people to see their GP. Whether you have a new problem, would like time to really talk through an ongoing issue, or just get a second opinion James will be delighted to help.
In addition to general consultations, he offers soft-tissue and joint injections for such problems as frozen shoulders, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Morton’s neuroma, and trigger finger.
In 2009 James was honoured with an OBE for services to medicine.
Dr Barbara Barrie (She/Hers)
GP
Having qualified from Edinburgh University in 1989, I have worked in the NHS for 34 years, mainly as a GP Partner, but I have also had short spells employed as a Salaried GP and GP Retainer.
In addition, I have been a Macmillan GP, an Out of Hours GP working regular weekend sessions, and a GP in Palliative Medicine.
My clinical interests are Mental Health, Women’s health, and Palliative Medicine but in my day-to-day practice, I cover all aspects of primary care.
I am qualified to fit intrauterine devices (coils) for contraception, HRT, and in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding, as well as ring pessaries for the management of gynaecological prolapse.
Aside from work, I enjoy walking my 3 dogs, ski- ing, and singing in a local choir.
Dr Susan Connell (She/Hers)
GP
I qualified from Charing Cross & Westminster Medical School in 1993 & as a General Practitioner in 2001. I have a passion for Medicine & for thorough, holistic care. I look forward to meeting you & helping you to shape your health goals.
Dr Tom Morgan (He/Him)
GP
Dr. Tom Morgan qualified in medicine from The University of Bristol in 2011, following a degree in Physiology at The University of Southampton. His medical training took place across various hospitals and GP practises within Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Currently, he works as a GP Partner at The Boathouse Surgery in Pangbourne and has previously worked in various GP practices across Reading and Oxfordshire.
Primary Care
With a keen interest in all aspects of primary care, Dr. Morgan has a particular passion for mental health, the care of the older people and Men's health. He worked for seven years at the Reading Mental Health Crisis Team, where he managed complex and urgent mental health issues. Additionally, he played a vital role in establishing a new mental health service in Berkshire to enhance collaboration between primary and secondary care.
Believing in the importance of family medicine, He emphasizes that developing a strong relationship with patients is essential for understanding their concerns and providing effective care. He values the time afforded by private general practice to fully grasp each patient's situation and collaborate on a tailored care plan.
He lives in South Oxfordshire with his wife, two energetic boys, and their adored golden retriever. He enjoys family life and the beautiful countryside of the region, as well as watching cricket when time allows.
He looks forward to working with you to support your health and well-being