Prostate Cancer Education Resources
Browse our resources
Browse our resources
- Clin Radiol.
This article examines how advancements in MRI, particularly multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), are changing prostate cancer diagnosis. mpMRI can reduce unnecessary biopsies and target clinically significant cancers more effectively. Freedom of Information requests by Prostate Cancer UK and the British Society of Urogenital Radiology in 2016 and 2018 revealed increased use of mpMRI, with a decrease in areas not offering it, from 25% to 13%. Despite improvements, there is still geographical variation and challenges such as limited scanner capacity and staffing. Recent guidelines from NICE and NHS England recommending mpMRI for men with specific PSA levels have added pressure on radiology departments. For more details, read the full article.
Topic:
AwarenessEarly diagnosis
Area of Practice:
Primary Care & Secondary Care
Recommended for:
Allied Health ProfessionalClinical Nurse SpecialistPrimary Care Doctor (GP)Primary Care Nurse (Practice Nurse)Secondary Care DoctorSecondary Care Nurse
- BJU Int.
This article develops a consensus statement on best practices for active surveillance (AS) of prostate cancer in the UK, based on input from patients and clinical experts. The statement was created through a review of national and international guidelines, a Freedom of Information request on UK urology practices, and surveys of patients’ experiences with AS. The Prostate Cancer UK Expert Reference Group (ERG) refined the statement, which covers risk stratification, criteria for AS, follow-up protocols, and criteria for discontinuing AS. Findings show significant variation in AS practices and highlight patients’ needs for more information, psychological support, and a dedicated contact person. The ERG’s consensus statements aim to standardise AS practices, though further research is needed to refine these practices and explore the role of multiparametric MRI in AS. For more details, read the full article.
Topic:
Active Surveillance
Area of Practice:
Primary Care & Secondary Care
Recommended for:
Allied Health ProfessionalClinical Nurse SpecialistPrimary Care Doctor (GP)Primary Care Nurse (Practice Nurse)Secondary Care DoctorSecondary Care Nurse
- BMC Med
This article examines the lifetime risk of prostate cancer diagnosis and mortality across major ethnic groups in England. Using data from Public Health England and adjusted for incomplete ethnicity and mortality information, the study finds that White men have a lifetime risk of prostate cancer diagnosis of approximately 1 in 8, Black men 1 in 4, and Asian men 1 in 13. The risk of dying from prostate cancer is about 1 in 24 for White men, 1 in 12 for Black men, and 1 in 44 for Asian men. The findings highlight that Black men are at twice the risk of both being diagnosed with and dying from prostate cancer compared to White men. Although the mortality rate from prostate cancer is similar among White, Black, and Asian men once diagnosed, a higher proportion of Black men are dying from the disease in England. For more details, read the full article.
Topic:
Black menHealth Inequality
Area of Practice:
Primary Care & Secondary Care
Recommended for:
Allied Health ProfessionalClinical Nurse SpecialistPrimary Care Doctor (GP)Primary Care Nurse (Practice Nurse)Secondary Care DoctorSecondary Care Nurse
- BJGP
This report explores the optimal use of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for detecting prostate cancer in asymptomatic men in the UK. It addresses the current lack of routine screening and aims to provide clarity on how the PSA test should be used in primary care. A panel of experts developed and reviewed statements on key topics, leading to consensus on proactive testing for men at higher-than-average risk, despite ongoing uncertainties about PSA thresholds and retesting intervals. The findings suggest a need for a review of existing guidelines to improve testing practices. For more details, access the full report.
Topic:
Early diagnosis
Area of Practice:
Primary Care & Secondary Care
Recommended for:
Allied Health ProfessionalClinical Nurse SpecialistPrimary Care Doctor (GP)Primary Care Nurse (Practice Nurse)Secondary Care DoctorSecondary Care Nurse
- NHS England
The practical guidance, supported by the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) and the British Association of Urological Nurses (BAUN), includes a delivery checklist and detailed principles for first-class care across the entire patient pathway – from primary care to secondary care to ongoing monitoring, as well as recommendations for managing biopsies and treatment choices.
Topic:
Treatment
Area of Practice:
Primary Care & Secondary Care
Recommended for:
Allied Health ProfessionalClinical Nurse SpecialistPrimary Care Doctor (GP)Primary Care Nurse (Practice Nurse)Secondary Care DoctorSecondary Care Nurse
- BJGP
This article from the British Journal of General Practice evaluates the role of the digital rectal examination (DRE) in prostate cancer screening. It highlights the limitations of DRE compared to multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI), which is now recommended as the initial investigation for suspected prostate cancer. The DRE remains useful for detecting cancers in men with normal PSA levels but is less favored due to patient discomfort and cultural stigma. Future screening methods, including those tested in the TRANSFORM trial, aim to improve early detection and reduce unnecessary procedures.
For more details, read the full article.
Topic:
Awareness
Area of Practice:
Primary Care & Secondary Care
Recommended for:
Allied Health ProfessionalClinical Nurse SpecialistPrimary Care Doctor (GP)Primary Care Nurse (Practice Nurse)Secondary Care DoctorSecondary Care Nurse
- BJUI Compass
The article reviews the latest evidence on PSA screening for prostate cancer, focusing on men aged 50 and older, those at higher ethnic risk, and those with a family history. It finds that PSA screening increases detection of low-grade cancers and reduces advanced cases but has mixed effects on mortality, potentially due to compliance issues. Screening younger men (50-55) shows a reduced risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality. The PLCO Cancer Screening Trial suggests benefits for men with a family history, though there is no data on ethnic risk. The article concludes that while PSA testing is guided by risk factors, more research is needed to understand its long-term impact on high-risk groups. For more details, read the full article.
Topic:
Black menHealth Inequality
Area of Practice:
Primary Care & Secondary Care
Recommended for:
Allied Health ProfessionalClinical Nurse SpecialistPrimary Care Doctor (GP)Primary Care Nurse (Practice Nurse)Secondary Care DoctorSecondary Care Nurse
- BJUI Compass
The article examines the impact of adding pre-biopsy MRI to standard PSA testing on prostate cancer outcomes and quality of life. It finds that MRI improves the detection of significant cancers and reduces the diagnosis of less severe cases (Gleason grade 3+3). MRI also helps 8%-49% of men avoid unnecessary biopsies in most studies, though not in one with a specific threshold. The incidence of sepsis and urinary tract infections is low. Based on data from PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL between January 2005 and January 2023, the article concludes that combining pre-biopsy MRI with PSA testing may enhance cancer detection and reduce unnecessary biopsies, although its long-term effects on prostate cancer-specific mortality are not yet clear. For more details, read the full article.
Topic:
AwarenessEarly diagnosis
Area of Practice:
Primary Care & Secondary Care
Recommended for:
Allied Health ProfessionalClinical Nurse SpecialistPrimary Care Doctor (GP)Primary Care Nurse (Practice Nurse)Secondary Care DoctorSecondary Care Nurse
- Prostate Cancer UK
This guideline informs practitioners, patients and partners about the impact of prostate cancer therapies (PCT) on sexual health of patients and partners, and on their sexual relationships, as well as about biopsychosocial rehabilitation strategies available in prostate cancer survivorship.
Topic:
Patient SupportPsychological supportSide effects management
Area of Practice:
Secondary Care
Recommended for:
Allied Health ProfessionalClinical Nurse SpecialistSecondary Care Nurse
- Prostate Cancer UK
Access the Active Surveillance Hub, a comprehensive resource designed for healthcare professionals managing prostate cancer. This hub provides evidence-based resources and practical information to support clinical decision-making and patient care. Here, you’ll find up-to-date guidelines, research findings, and tools to enhance your practice, as well as useful information to guide patients through their active surveillance journey. Explore the hub to access valuable insights and improve patient outcomes in active surveillance.
Topic:
Active Surveillance
Area of Practice:
Primary Care & Secondary Care
Recommended for:
Allied Health ProfessionalClinical Nurse SpecialistPrimary Care Doctor (GP)Primary Care Nurse (Practice Nurse)Secondary Care DoctorSecondary Care Nurse
