Prostate Cancer Surges: UK's New Top Diagnosis

In 2022, prostate cancer became the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the UK, surpassing breast cancer with 64,425 men diagnosed. This marks a substantial 24% increase from the previous year. Men newly diagnosed often face a confusing array of treatment options, weighing risks against benefits for outcomes like continence and sexual function.

Santis clinic in London highlights advancements in high-volume surgery. Techniques such as Retzius-sparing surgery and NeuroSAFE, a real-time pathology check, are used to potentially achieve better functional results. Professor Christopher Eden, leading Santis' practice, has pioneered these methods, including the UK's first Retzius-sparing robotic prostatectomy.

These modifications aim to preserve anatomy crucial for continence and use intra-operative pathology to balance cancer control with functional outcomes. Utilizing a Single Port da Vinci robot further enhances minimally invasive approaches, offering magnified visualization and controlled movement.

The clinic's published evidence suggests that for suitable candidates, optimized surgical approaches can lead to earlier continence recovery and preserved sexual function alongside cancer control. While a single clinic cannot solve the national challenge, the team aims to change the perception that prostatectomy inevitably compromises quality of life.