Prostate Cancer Screening
The Forbury Clinic offers personalised prostate cancer screening. This approach helps structure screening decisions based on individual risk.
Our consultant‑led prostate cancer screening combines traditional methods — PSA and MRI — with advanced genetic risk assessment, giving a clearer picture of your prostate health before symptoms appear.
Understanding Prostate Cancer Risk
Prostate cancer often develops slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Risk increases with age, family history, and ethnicity — with Black men having about twice the risk of White men.
Genetics also play a major role. Research suggests that around half of prostate cancer risk is inherited, even if there is no known family history.
Standard PSA (prostate‑specific antigen) blood testing remains an important tool, but PSA levels can appear normal even when cancer is developing. That’s why The Forbury Clinic now offers a polygenic prostate cancer risk assessment — a simple genetic test that adds valuable information to traditional screening.
Prostate Cancer UK Statistics
- Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK.
- More than 55,000 men are diagnosed and around 12,000 die from prostate cancer each year.
- Around 1 in 8 UK men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime; the risk rises to 1 in 4 for Black men and falls to around 1 in 13 for Asian men.
- Research suggests that about half of prostate cancer risk is inherited, even when there is no obvious family history.
What Is a Polygenic Cancer Risk Score?
This test is powered by an advanced Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) — a modern, evidence‑based way to estimate your inherited risk of prostate cancer.
Unlike single‑gene tests that look for rare mutations, PRS analysis evaluates the combined influence of more than 100 genetic variants known to be linked with prostate cancer risk. Each variant may have a small effect on its own, but together they provide a highly informative picture of your lifetime susceptibility.
By combining your genetic data with factors such as age, ethnic background and family history, the PRS helps our consultants predict your personal risk profile with greater precision. This insight enables a tailored prevention plan — identifying when screening should begin, how often it should be repeated, and which investigations (such as PSA or MRI) are best suited to you.
The assessment is quick, non‑invasive and performed only once in a lifetime, providing lifelong insight to support proactive prostate health.
How the Process Works
1. Arrange your test and collect your sample
Enquire directly through The Forbury Clinic. A home kit is sent to you (or collected from the clinic) to provide a saliva sample, which you then post securely in the prepaid envelope provided.
2. Laboratory analysis
Your sample is processed in a fully accredited UK laboratory, analysing more than 100 genetic markers linked to prostate cancer.
3. Results in 6-8 weeks
Comprehensive report is prepared and sent securely to you.
4. Follow up consultation arranged (if needed)
if results indicate a higher genetic risk, we’ll arrange an appointment to discuss the findings and agree the most appropriate next steps.
How this complements existing screening
The genetic test does not replace PSA or MRI — it enhances them.
If your inherited risk is found to be high, your consultant may recommend:
- More frequent PSA testing
- MRI or targeted imaging earlier than standard schedules
- Proactive lifestyle or monitoring advice
For men with a low genetic risk, check‑ups can be confidently spaced at longer intervals.
Prostate Cancer Screening FAQs
- Do I need to visit the clinic for this test?
Not unless your results show something that needs discussion — most people complete the test entirely at home
- Is this the same as BRCA or other inherited genetic testing?
No. Personalised screening uses common genetic variations to support tailored screening decisions. Testing for rare inherited mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 is separate and may be recommended for individuals with strong family histories or specific risk factors.
- Is the polygenic test diagnostic?
No. It measures inherited risk rather than detecting cancer. It identifies whether you may benefit from closer monitoring.
- Can I do the test if my PSA is normal?
Yes. The test can highlight hidden risk even when PSA levels appear within the normal range.
- How long will it take to get results?
Results are typically available within 6-8 weeks. A detailed report will be sent to you directly.
- At what age should I start screening?
We generally recommend men begin assessment from age 40 onwards, or earlier if they have a family history or belong to a higher‑risk group.
Why Choose The Forbury Clinic?
At The Forbury Clinic, prostate screening is consultant‑led, evidence‑based, and centred on you. Our specialists use the latest diagnostic and genetic technology to provide accurate results and clear recommendations. From the convenience of home testing to fast, efficient result processing, every stage is designed for comfort and confidence — guided by clinicians who understand and care for men’s long‑term health.