A ONE-stop prostate assessment clinic has been launched in Droitwich Spa.

The Droitwich Spa Hospital, run by BMI Healthcare at St Andrew’s Street, has launched the clinic providing fast and easy access to comprehensive assessments and treatments for men over the age of 50 who suffer from urinary problems.

For many men, having difficulty urinating or getting up at night to pass urine are not considered as an immediate cause for concern, but men should be made aware that these symptoms could be an indication of a more serious prostate condition and should be investigated by a healthcare professional.

According to recent research commissioned by The Prostate Cancer Charity, seven out of 10 men who face an increased risk of prostate cancer are not aware of a simple blood test - called the Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA test - that can give an early indication of the disease which kills one man every hour in the UK.

The one-stop prostate clinic at The Droitwich Spa Hospital offers a prostatic assessment which involves a range of tests including the PSA test, a digital rectal examination, assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms and of the urinary flow rate.

Consultant Urological Surgeon at BMI The Droitwich Spa Hospital, Mr Jonathan Eaton, who runs the clinic, said: “We are delighted to be offering the prostatic assessment at The Droitwich Spa Hospital to males over the age of 50, who are more at risk of developing prostate related problems and cancers. Early diagnosis could improve a man's chances of finding a successful treatment yet many men do not know what the prostate gland does and are therefore unaware of the risks.

He added: "It is important that men who experience prostate problems, such as needing to pass urine more frequently and discomfort when urinating, seek medical help not only to alleviate any pain, but also to ensure that if their symptoms are related to a more serious condition we can expidite treatment. This is especially for men with findings suspicious of cancer or pre-cancer."

Throughout March, BMI The Droitwich Spa Hospital will be supporting prostate cancer awareness month and The Prostate Cancer Charity, raising awareness and educating people about the most common cancer in men.