According to research, the UK may finally be in a position to roll out a prostate cancer screening program. The potential benefits of widespread screening are substantial, including a 20% reduction in prostate cancer deaths. However, past attempts at national rollout were hampered by concerns that the drawbacks outweighed the benefits.

The primary obstacle to implementing a screening program has been the lack of accuracy of the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test, which is currently the first diagnostic step. The test alone cannot provide a definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer, requiring additional testing such as a biopsy to confirm the presence of the disease.

The rollout of safe screening for early detection is pivotal to helping improve diagnosis rates and boosting survival rates. Here, we look at the current testing methods for prostate cancer.

Safer screening for prostate cancer

The screening process for prostate cancer currently involves undergoing a PSA test, followed by other tests.

Until recently, a biopsy would be organised next, without an MRI. As the PSA test isn’t overly accurate, this meant men were sometimes sent for unnecessary biopsies.

Biopsies are known for their risk of infection, and they can also be painful for patients. Conversely, some men may also be diagnosed with the disease and given aggressive treatments, even though their type of prostate cancer is not likely to cause them harm during their lifetime.

Now, new MRI scans, called multiparametric MRI scans (mpMRI) and safer biopsies (transperineal guided biopsies) can give men a more accurate and less harmful diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The advantage of an MRI scan before a biopsy

If a prostate cancer screening is advised, this begins with a simple PSA blood test carried out here at the Wessex Private GP. If your test shows the PSA is a higher level than expected, then you may be referred for Whole-Body MRI scanning.

MRI scanning provides a detailed image of your entire body and can detect the presence of tumours and other abnormalities. If the scan shows any abnormalities, then you may need a biopsy.

The main benefits of having an MRI scan before a biopsy are:

• it provides an accurate indication of the presence of prostate cancer
• if nothing shows – a biopsy will be avoided along with possible side effects
• if you do need a biopsy, it will inform the specific areas to target
• if nothing shows – you will avoid unnecessary treatment with possible side effects

Our prostate cancer screening service

If you are concerned about symptoms of prostate cancer, or your risk of getting the disease, it is important to discuss it with your GP. During your appointment at the Wessex Private GP, Dr Charlie Middle will discuss your medical history and your risk of prostate cancer. He can then carry out a physical prostate exam and a urine test if necessary. You can then discuss the suitability of a PSA test.

If you are concerned about your prostate cancer risk, book an appointment with Dr Charlie Middle at the Wessex Private GP today.

According to a study carried out by the NHS, 1 in 4 people in England will experience some form of mental illness each year. From mixed anxiety and depression to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), millions of people suffer from a variety of mental health conditions that can be difficult to treat.

Genes testing for mental health was introduced back in 2011 in the United States. In 2022, the testing came to the UK and is now offered by selected clinics, including here at the Wessex Private General Practice. Known as Pharmacogenetics testing, it helps to create personalised mental health treatments based upon each patient’s DNA.

Read on to discover more about Pharmacogenetics testing and its benefits in the treatment of mental health issues.

What is Pharmacogenetics Testing in mental health?

Pharmacogenetics testing aims to identify how genetics will impact a patient’s medication response. It can reveal how a person’s body metabolises and responds to various medications. This enables doctors to provide personalised treatments based upon each patient’s specific requirements.

The testing itself typically involves collecting a sample of your DNA. This could be a blood or a saliva sample. It is then analysed in a laboratory. The results will be used to influence treatment decisions. For example, choosing the most appropriate medication and dosage required based on your genetic profile.

Dr Charlie Middle provides various Pharmacogenetics tests, each provided by Myogenes, a renowned UK-based diagnostic company.

The benefits of Myogenes Pharmacogenetic testing

Myogenes Pharmacogenetic testing has significant benefits when treating patients with mental health disorders. The test will help to identify which medications are most likely to be effective. But also, it can also help to reduce the patient’s risk of experiencing side effects from the treatments they receive.

It could be that you have genetic variations which make you more likely to experience side effects from certain medications. Or, you may have specific genetic variations that make some medications less effective.

While medications can be an effective way of treating mental health conditions, they are known to cause a variety of nasty side effects. This can make them both unpleasant for patients to use, as well as potentially dangerous. With Pharmacogenetic testing, patients are less likely to experience negative side effects from the treatments they receive.

If patients do need to take medications that the test has revealed could pose a greater risk of side effects, they can also be provided with regular checks and scans. Importantly, this would help to detect and address any problems early on.

To learn more about genes testing for personalised mental health treatment, book an appointment with Dr Charlie Middle today.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ for medications. For some patients, certain drugs can do wonders to treat conditions, whereas for others those drugs might not be so effective.

Pharmacogenomics is the study of prescribing medications that are tailor-made to an individual’s genetic make-up – enabling patients to benefit from effective treatments.

The Royal College of Physicians together with the British Pharmacological Society is putting in a plan to help make pharmacogenomics testing more widely available for patients. This will lead to better results and treat a wider range of medical problems.

At Wessex GP, we offer pharmacogenomics testing to patients who request it.

What is Pharmacogenomics?

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genes affect a person’s response to drugs. As the name suggests, it is a combination of pharmacology and genomics. It has been around for decades – but recently we have seen a rise in precision (personalised) prescribing due to the advances in genetics and a better understanding of the human body.

Researchers are still learning about how our genes affect how we respond to certain treatments, with new approaches undergoing clinical trials. One big positive of the testing is that it only needs to be done once, because your genes hardly change throughout your lifetime.

Despite the growing awareness and recognition of the potential benefits, tests aren’t widely available. Currently, for NHS patients, it is being used for treating some cancers. In the future, it will be used to develop tailored drugs to treat a wide range of health problems, including Alzheimer disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease and asthma.

Who benefits most from Pharmacogenomics testing?

Patients with comorbid (co-existing) conditions would benefit as additional diagnosis could complicate treatments – especially as they are often prescribed multiple medications for different symptoms.

Patients that have previously experienced side effects from medications, or are concerned about developing side effects would also benefit from testing. Additionally, if you are going to be taking a drug that has varying results, a pharmacogenomics test will be useful.

The main benefits for patients are:

• Avoiding treatments that will not work for you
• Fewer side effects from treatments and a safer experience
• Only prescribing what you need – resulting in less appointments

One study on the effectiveness of psycho pharmacogenetic testing and major depressive disorder found that it led to individuals being almost twice as likely to achieve remission.

Availability now

Pharmacogenomics testing is available privately for patients at Wessex GP. Blood testing is carried out by The Doctor’s Laboratory TDL and arranged through our service.

The results will be available within 48 hours, but sometimes sooner, and will be emailed to you. A doctor will email you or ring you to discuss the results.

If you wish to be referred or to discuss this further please make an appointment with Dr Middle at Wessex Private GP.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or ‘Seasonal Depression’, is a mood disorder that affects around 2 million people in the UK. It can affect anyone, but is most common among young adults and women and it occurs during periods of lower sunlight levels.

Everyone is affected differently by the condition, but is characterised by low energy levels, poor appetite and a low mood that can impact on everyday life.

The cause of this recurring disorder is still unknown. However, there are a number of treatments that will successfully manage the condition. Read on to learn more about alleviating the symptoms of SAD.

Causes of SAD

Although the causes of Seasonal Affective Disorder are not fully understood, some researchers believe that lower levels of sunlight interfere with melatonin and serotonin production.

Serotonin is the brain chemical that helps regulate mood and melatonin is the hormone that maintains the normal sleep-wake cycle that repeats every 24 hours. This imbalance of chemicals impacts your circadian rhythms, or your natural body clock – that cannot adjust to seasonal changes. The result is a major depressive episode.

With less sunlight in the winter, SAD sufferers will produce less vitamin D which hinders serotonin activity. Some studies also suggest that higher temperatures can be linked to summer pattern SAD – but more research is needed.

Symptoms of SAD

There are a wide range of symptoms that may be seen in Seasonal Affective Disorder. These vary between individuals but may include:

• Feeling depressed nearly everyday
• Low energy levels
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Oversleeping
• Overeating

People can experience milder symptoms, and may experience a less intense form of the condition, known as subsyndromal SAD (S-SAD).

Treating SAD

One of the best ways to combat seasonal depression is getting outside for a walk. Exposing yourself to bright, natural daylight can be highly effective – especially in the morning hours when our cortisol levels are at their highest.

By maintaining a healthy diet, containing plenty of rich nutrients, vitamins and minerals and taking regular exercise will help elevate your mood. Also, try and get into a good nighttime routine – go to bed and rise at the same time, and avoid staying up too late.

There are a range of treatments for managing the symptoms of SAD include relaxation techniques such as meditation, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) as well as medications. Sometimes low dose antidepressants like sertraline, fluoxetine or citalopram can help lift the mental gloom, and help us survive the winter months.

For people with milder symptoms, bright light therapy or phototherapy can be helpful. Bright artificial lamps (‘SAD lamps’ or ‘light boxes’) can be used for set periods of time, simulating the sunlight. Alternatively, sunrise alarm clocks, which gradually light up your bedroom as you wake up, may also be useful.

The most important thing if you are struggling with seasonal depression, is to speak to your doctor. At Wessex Private GP, we will support you and we can discuss personalised, tailored treatments to help you manage your symptoms.

Get in touch today with our friendly team to book a consultation with Dr Charles Middle.

Dr Charles Middle is now available for Private Appointments at the Poundbury Clinic on Mondays and Thursdays, and Virtual Appointments on Saturday mornings.

It is possible to contact WPGP and make appointments at other times by request: