Conditions & Treatments
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in England.
1 in 8
It affects one in eight men during their lifetime.
2x
The risk doubles for black men, and for those with a family
history of the disease (a father or a brother).
No symptoms
Prostate cancer has no symptoms in its early stages.
Successful Treatment
The chances of successful treatment are much higher when prostate cancer is diagnosed at the localised stage compared to the locally advanced or metastatic stage.
20%
of diagnoses of prostate cancer in the UK are detected at the metastatic stage.
Prostate cancer can be confined to the prostate (localised prostate cancer), or it can spread to surrounding areas – to the seminal vesicles (locally advanced prostate cancer) or further (metastatic prostate cancer).
The chances of successful treatment are high when the cancer is diagnosed at the localised stage, but remain better for the locally advanced stage compared to the metastatic stage.
In the US and Sweden where Prof PS trained (at those country’s best medical institutions), Professor Sooriakumaran has seen firsthand the benefits of prostate cancer screening programmes: the rate of metastatic cancer is under 10%.
He has published articles on the benefits of smarter screening: that is, screening for men at risk. He advocates screening for the following at-risk groups.
Men aged 50 and above
Men aged 45 and above
with a father/brother with prostate cancer
Black men aged 45 and above
Black men aged 40 and above
with a father/brother with prostate cancer
Treatment types
There are numerous screening methods available – PSA, MRI, and Stockholm-3 to name a few.
None of these screening methods are invasive or painful, but they can detect prostate cancer early, when it is potentially curable. If there is a significant risk of cancer, the next step is a prostate biopsy. This is best performed through a precise method involving a software fusion system. Prof PS is an expert of this fusion prostate biopsy technique, having performed the very first case at New Victoria Hospital (part of BUPA Health Services) in May 2025.
IF CANCER PRESENTS
There are a few things doctors consider post-diagnosis in order to determine treatment.
How aggressive the cancer appears
How much cancer is present
The potential for the cancer to spread
You will then be presented with one (or more) of the following approaches.
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Hormone therapy
Focal therapy
Surveillance
These recommendations are made by specialists working in a multi-disciplinary team.
Currently, Prof PS works with these teams at Cromwell Hospital and University College London Hospital. He has managed thousands of prostate cancer patients with this collaborative approach, as well as led these teams previously at Cleveland Clinic London and the Princess Grace Hospital.
IF SURGERY IS NECESSARY
Prof PS currently performs many of the most challenging robotic prostate cancer surgeries at University College London Hospital. He also has experience in so-called “salvage surgeries” – operations for men who have not responded to other treatments.
It is important that men can recover from the surgery with minimal complications: the training Prof PS has received means these occur much less often than for the average surgeon. He collaborates with expert radiologists beforehand to plan an operation, ensuring nothing is left to chance.
Three things to remember
Be pro-active about prostate cancer risk. Seek testing by your GP, or make an appointment with Prof PS.
If you need a biopsy, a trans-perineal fusion prostate biopsy gives you the best chance of success.
If you need surgery for prostate cancer, choose a surgeon with exceptional knowledge, proven skills, and world-class training.
In 2022, Macmillan Cancer published a free book on prostate cancer treatments, written by consultant urologist and renowned prostate cancer expert, Dr Jyoti Shah MBE. Prof PS was honoured to be asked to write the section on robotic surgery.
