Prostate cancer often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages. In fact, early prostate cancer is frequently silent. Recently Lord David Cameron (former UK Prime Minister) announced that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer only after a routine check prompted by his wife. He underwent a PSA blood test and biopsy which detected cancer despite feeling well. Similarly, cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy revealed he has advanced (stage 4) prostate cancer discovered through scans. Chris Hoy has since encouraged other men to get tested – noting that many who had “no symptoms, no problems” nevertheless took a PSA test after hearing his news and found early-stage cancers. These high-profile cases remind us that even healthy-seeming men can be affected.
Prostate cancer is common. In the UK it causes about 55,300 new cases and some 12,000 deaths each year. Because early prostate cancer often shows no warning signs , screening tests are vital. A simple PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test can detect prostate abnormalities long before symptoms appear. Catching the disease early greatly improves outcomes – for example, roughly 95% of men survive at least five years when prostate cancer is detected early.
Courtyard Health Clinic offers comprehensive men’s health assessments including prostate screening. Alongside traditional PSA testing, Courtyard Health Clinic can now arrange the Stockholm3 test, an advanced blood test developed in Sweden.
What makes it different?
• It combines multiple blood biomarkers, genetic markers and clinical risk factors rather than relying on PSA alone.
• It is more specific than PSA testing meaning it’s better at identifying the men who are genuinely at higher risk of clinically significant prostate cancer.
• Research suggests it can reduce unnecessary biopsies while still detecting aggressive cancers earlier.
In short: It helps focus attention on the cases that truly need further investigation and helps avoid the worry and invasive procedures when they are not necessary.
You do not need to have symptoms to benefit. The Stockholm3 test is particularly relevant for men ages 45-74, or those with a family history of prostate cancer who want a clearer risk assessment.
Early detection saves lives. Do not wait for symptoms. If you have concerns or wish to book a private screening test, contact Courtyard Health Clinic and our team will be happy to help you make an appointment.
Further Reading
We won’t stop until we have a screening programme for all men | Prostate Cancer UK
