For most men, prostate health is something usually filed under “future problem” – a conversation for later life, not something to think about in your 30s or 40s. Yet the reality is shifting. While prostate cancer remains uncommon under 50, certain factors – from family history to genetic predisposition – can increase risk much earlier than many assume. As with most things in men’s health, waiting rarely improves the outcome. Early conversations, timely screening and informed decision-making can make a material difference.
Few figures are better placed to guide those conversations than Mr Christopher Ogden, one of the UK’s most experienced uro-oncologists and a pioneer of modern prostate cancer treatment. Named by the BBC’s Horizon as one of the world’s leading robotic surgeons, he has spent more than two decades at the forefront of innovation in this arena. Across The Harley Street Clinic and The Princess Grace Hospital – both part of HCA Healthcare UK – he has performed thousands of robot-assisted procedures and has helped redefine what minimally invasive treatment can offer.
For many patients, this progress translates into something very tangible: greater precision, faster recovery, reduced risk of complications and a strong emphasis on preserving quality of life. Sexual function, continence and long-term wellbeing are not afterthoughts; they sit at the heart of every treatment conversation.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution: prostate cancer therapies differ markedly in how they balance cancer control with functional outcomes, which is why Mr Ogden places such importance on shared decision-making. For men weighing their options, whether newly diagnosed or seeking a second opinion, that collaborative approach provides welcome clarity.
Among the most exciting developments is Transperineal Laser Ablation (TPLA), a micro-invasive technique that Mr Ogden was the first to perform in the UK. Delivered as a low-risk, day-case procedure with impressive clinical results, TPLA offers a compelling alternative for suitable patients who are seeking targeted treatment with minimal disruption. At the BAUS international congress, outcomes presented by Mr Ogden and colleagues from The Princess Grace Hospital showed meaningful benefit with no reported complications – a testament to both the technology and the expertise behind it.
His portfolio extends well beyond cancer care. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), for instance, provides rapid diagnostic insight into benign conditions such as BPH, as well as prostrate cancer, helping determine the most appropriate pathway from HIFU to robotic surgery to TPLA. That breadth of capability is mirrored by HCA Healthcare UK itself: a comprehensive end-to-end urology service encompassing advanced diagnostics, multidisciplinary expertise and personalised aftercare.
Crucially, access is straightforward. Patients can book directly with Mr Ogden across multiple HCA UK hospitals, giving busy professionals the flexibility to be assessed – and treated – at a location that suits them. For square mile readers conscious of both their schedules and their long-term health, it’s an opportunity to consult one of the field’s foremost specialists without delay.
Awareness, ultimately, is the first step. A conversation today could prevent further issues tomorrow – or at the very least ensure that, if treatment is needed, you understand every option available. Partnering with a leading specialist like Mr Ogden ensures you’re equipped with world-class expertise when it counts most.
For more information, call 020 8003 7642; hcahealthcare.co.uk