SOUTHAMPTON doctors have launched an innovative self-referral service for men with symptoms of prostate cancer.

The team from University Hospital Southampton (UHS) have today launched the scheme following a “dramatic drop” in referrals which led to a decrease of 23 per cent in men starting treatment across the region at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The project focuses on improving access to specialists, raising awareness of early symptoms and information about testing.

If considered high risk after completing an initial assessment questionnaire, men will be offered a range of investigations without the need for a GP referral.

These include a blood test known as a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test which measures levels of a protein in the blood that is only found in the prostate gland and is often elevated in men with this form of cancer.

They will also be offered other tests if required, such as scans, urinary function assessment and prostate biopsies.

More than 47,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK and it is the most common form of cancer in men. It occurs mainly in men aged over 50.

Ethnicity, family history and gene-related cancers – specifically carriers of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations most commonly associated with breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancers – can also increase the risk.

Doctors are hoping the new system will combat the drop in referrals by allowing men to access the specialist service directly while also helping to reduce pressure on primary care settings such as GP practices.

Tim Dudderidge, consultant urological surgeon at UHS who is co-leading the pilot scheme, said: “The dramatic drop in referrals caused by the Covid pandemic means far more men are living with high grade prostate cancer with the potential to spread without knowing it which is very worrying.

“Unfortunately, many of these missing men won’t be referred to our clinic until the cancer has spread and curative treatment is no longer an option.

“That’s why we’re committed to raising awareness of the disease and developing a new self-referral system that will make it easier for men who are at higher risk to access our service with ease.”