Fast 3T MRI screening for prostate cancer – before symptoms start
Private Prostate Cancer Screening in Solihull
Even with a normal PSA result, prostate cancer can be missed. A 3T prostate MRI scan gives a more reliable picture of your prostate health.
Prostate cancer MRI screening in Solihull
Our prostate cancer screening service is for men with no symptoms who have had a PSA test result within the normal range and are still concerned about the possibility of having prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is traditionally checked with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, but this doesn’t pick up early prostate cancer.
A 3T MRI prostate cancer screening scan looks directly at the prostate and can identify early changes that may indicate cancer is present – even when you have no symptoms, and your PSA level is in the normal range.
To book, you’ll need a recent PSA (we can organise this for you at the clinic if you haven’t already had one) and a referral for screening – either from your NHS GP or via our private GP referral pathway (we can guide you through the options).
No waiting lists
Same-week appointments
Experienced radiology team
Led by expert consultant radiologists
State-of-the-art technology
Gold standard 3T MRI scanners
Calm, non-hospital clinic environment
Welcoming and private setting
Why consider an MRI screening scan?
A PSA blood test is a useful starting point, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. PSA can be raised for reasons that aren’t cancer, and in some cases, PSA can be normal even when significant prostate cancer is present.
That’s why PSA and MRI work best together: PSA provides a simple blood marker, while MRI looks directly at the prostate to identify areas that may need monitoring or specialist review.
An MRI screening scan can help you:
- Understand your current prostate health
- Reduce uncertainty and support an informed conversation with your GP
- Identify if any follow‑up is recommended
What is a prostate screening MRI?
A prostate MRI uses magnetic fields to develop detailed pictures of the prostate. It shows the prostate’s size and shape and can highlight any areas that look unusual.
At Heath Lodge, all of our fast prostate screening MRI scans are performed on a 3T MRI scanner for high‑resolution imaging and are reported by two specialist prostate Consultant Radiologists.
1 in 8
Black men
56,000
45+
Who is this screening for?
This service is for men without symptoms who want an early check of their prostate health.
It may be suitable if you:
- Are 45+ or have higher‑risk factors (such as a family history or Black ethnicity)
- Have a recent PSA blood test (often within 6–12 months)
- Can obtain a referral for screening (we can guide you on how to arrange this)
You may not be suitable if you have an implanted device that isn’t MRI-safe (for example, some pacemakers or other implanted medical devices).
If you have new urinary symptoms, pain or notice other changes, a diagnostic pathway may be more appropriate.
If you’re unsure which route is right, contact us and we’ll help you choose the best next step.
Paying for your prostate cancer screening MRI
3T Prostate MRI screening
from £675
The prostate screening MRI scan
Dual‑reported diagnostic report by expert prostate Consultant Radiologists
Results sent to your GP within 7 working days
If you book your scan through our private GP pathway, there is an additional £75 fee paid directly to the private GP.
As this is a new cancer screening service, most private insurers do not cover the cost.
As this scan is for cancer screening, most private insurers do not currently cover it.
Your screening journey
Private GP referral pathway
If you choose this route, you can book your scan first. The private GP will then organise an appointment with you directly to discuss the results and any appropriate onward management if required. There is an additional fee of £75, which is payable directly to the private GP.
The private GP will:
- Send results to your registered NHS GP for information if the findings are normal, or
- Discuss next steps with you if follow‑up is advised
You can either continue privately or take the report back to your registered NHS GP for NHS follow‑up.
What to expect on the day
When you arrive, we’ll welcome you and run through a short safety questionnaire.
The scan is performed on a 3T MRI scanner and usually takes around 20 minutes.
We provide ear protection and will check in with you throughout the scan – you’ll be able to speak to the radiographer at any time.
You’re welcome to bring a relative or friend for support, as long as they can be safely screened to enter the MRI scan room (for example, no metal implants or loose metallic items). Our team will check this with you before we book your appointment.
Claustrophobic? Tell us in advance – we’ll talk through comfort options.
After the scan: what results might mean
Two specialist prostate Consultant Radiologists will review your scan and compile a report.
Your report may show:
- Normal appearances
- Findings that need further imaging (for example, an additional scan using contrast for more detail)
- A recommendation for specialist assessment (such as a urologist)
- In some cases, discussion of whether a biopsy (a tissue sample) is appropriate
We always send results to your GP with clear guidance on recommended next steps.
Information for GPs
Our prostate cancer screening MRI service supports men over 45 (or with risk factors) who are asymptomatic and would like to understand their prostate health.
To refer, we ask for a recent PSA result, as this is used in the interpretation of the MRI images.
Once the scan is complete, images are assessed and dual reported by two expert prostate Consultant Radiologists. The report is then sent to the referrer.
Booking your appointment
Heath Lodge Clinic is located in Knowle, Solihull. The setting is relaxed and private, with free on-site parking.
Appointments are typically Monday–Friday, with some early evening slots available on request and occasional Saturdays.
If you would like to ask a question, check eligibility or arrange a scan, you can call us on 01564 732150 or request a call back. We’re also happy to speak with a partner or family member if that is easier for you.
How to find us
contact@heathlodgeclinic.co.uk
1357 Warwick Road,
Knowle, Solihull,
West Midlands,
B93 9LW
Prostate cancer screening FAQs
Why get a prostate cancer screening MRI?
There is currently no national prostate cancer screening programme. The traditional way of checking for prostate cancer is with a PSA blood test, but this is known to be unreliable.
Recent studies have shown that relying on PSA results alone will miss significant cases of prostate cancer needing treatment – over half of the men who took part in these studies who had significant prostate cancer had a PSA result in the normal range.
Is an MRI scan more reliable than a PSA test?
MRI and PSA do different jobs. PSA is a simple blood test that can flag a change. MRI shows clear pictures of the prostate and can highlight areas that look unusual.
On its own, PSA can be high for non‑cancer reasons or stay in the normal range when cancer is present. A fast prostate cancer MRI screening scan is often better at showing whether there is an area that may need monitoring or further tests.
The best approach is to use both. PSA helps with spotting a change over time, while MRI helps by increasing the accuracy of cancer detection by focusing on unusual areas. Together, they can reduce unnecessary biopsies and support timely referral when needed.
Where can I find more information about the PSA blood test?
If you’d like to read more about what the PSA test is, what results can mean and how it’s used in prostate screening, these resources are helpful:
Do I need a referral and a PSA test?
Yes. Both are required before booking. We can guide you if you’re unsure how to arrange them.
Asking your GP to refer you keeps them in the loop and means that they know you’re having a scan. They can then advise and organise any further clinical advice or investigations.
Most GPs are familiar with this and are happy to provide the referral when appropriate. We can share a simple referral template to make this step easier for you and your GP. We also offer a private GP pathway.
What happens if something is found?
Your report is sent to you and your GP. If follow-up is needed, we’ll explain the next steps clearly.
How does the private GP referral pathway work?
If you choose this route, you can book your scan first. The private GP then provides feedback to you once they have the images and report from us.
The private GP will send the results on to your registered NHS GP if the findings are normal, and/or discuss next steps with you if follow‑up is advised. You can choose to stay with the private GP for private treatment or follow up through the NHS with your registered NHS GP.
Can I eat or drink before the test?
In most cases, yes – you can eat and drink as normal before your scan. If we need you to follow any specific preparation instructions, we’ll let you know when you book.
How quickly will I receive my results?
We report promptly. If anything needs further attention, we’ll let your GP know quickly.
Can I have the scan if I am claustrophobic?
Yes. Please tell us beforehand so we can talk through comfort options and support you during the scan.
What happens if something is found?
Your report is sent to your GP. If follow-up is needed, they will explain the next steps.
What if I have not had a recent PSA test?
We can advise on how to arrange a PSA test through your GP, or we can do the test on the day you attend for the MRI scan at an additional fee.
For more answers to our most asked questions, please visit our FAQs page.
Sources
- https://heathlodgeclinic.co.uk/prostate-screening-scans/
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/about
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/getting-diagnosed/tests-for-prostate-cancer
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/survival
- https://prostatecanceruk.org/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/
- https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/psa-blood-test
- https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/prostate-specific-antigen-psa
- PRIME Diagnostic Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.13722
- Moore CM, et al. Prevalence of MRI lesions in men responding to a GP-led invitation for a prostate health check: a prospective cohort study. BMJ Oncology. 2023;2:e000057. doi:10.1136/bmjonc-2023-000057
