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HRG Urology LogoDr. Harshawardhan Godbole

PROSTATE • Cavell Hospital, London

Prostate Cancer in London — Cavell Hospital

Enfield's predominantly suburban male population includes thousands of men over 50 for whom PSA screening is the most practical tool for early prostate cancer detection. When a PSA result requires specialist interpretation — or when a prostate cancer diagnosis has been made and specialist management is needed — Cavell Hospital on Uplands Park Road provides Enfield and North London's most accessible private Cancer Lead urology service, 5 minutes from Enfield Chase rail station. Mr. Harshawardhan Godbole FRCS — Cancer Lead and MDT Lead at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust — manages the full spectrum of prostate cancer, from PSA interpretation and mpMRI-guided biopsy to radical prostatectomy and advanced disease hormone therapy, at this Enfield location.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK and among the top three in India. PSA blood test, digital rectal examination (DRE), multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), and transperineal biopsy confirm diagnosis and Gleason/ISUP grade. Active surveillance is appropriate for low-risk disease. Radical prostatectomy (laparoscopic) and radical radiotherapy with hormone therapy treat high-risk localised disease. Hormone therapy (ADT) with chemotherapy or novel hormonal agents manages advanced and metastatic disease through specialist MDT. Mr. Godbole is Cancer Lead and MDT Lead at North Middlesex University Hospital NHS Trust.

### Enfield's South Asian Community and Prostate Cancer Risk

Enfield's established South Asian communities — particularly men of Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan heritage — have prostate cancer risk profiles that differ from the general UK population. While prostate cancer incidence is lower in South Asian men than in men of African descent, it is not trivially low, and South Asian men with BRCA2 mutations or other hereditary cancer syndromes have particularly aggressive prostate cancer when it does develop. Enfield's South Asian community benefits from Mr. Godbole's specific awareness of these risk profiles — including the indications for BRCA2 testing and the appropriate PSA screening start age for men with family history of breast or prostate cancer.

### Private vs NHS Prostate Cancer Pathway in North London

The NHS prostate cancer pathway in North London — from GP referral to first specialist appointment to staging to treatment — can take 3–6 months for intermediate-risk disease. Private management at Cavell Hospital accelerates this timeline dramatically: PSA interpretation, mpMRI, biopsy, staging, and treatment planning are typically completed within 4–6 weeks of first contact. For intermediate and high-risk prostate cancer, this timeline difference is clinically relevant — disease progression during a 6-month NHS wait can upstage a patient from localised to locally advanced disease.

### Travel and Parking Guide – Cavell Hospital, Enfield

Uplands Park Road, Enfield EN2 7PR. Rail: Enfield Chase station, 5 minutes walk. Bus: route 307. By road from Palmers Green: 10 minutes. Hospital parking.

Why choose Cavell Hospital for prostate cancer?

  • Enfield Town, Winchmore Hill, and Palmers Green men choose Cavell Hospital for prostate cancer management because private Cancer Lead specialist care is accessible from Enfield Chase station in 5 minutes — compressing the NHS 3–6 month diagnostic pathway to 4–6 weeks.
  • Mr. Godbole's specific awareness of South Asian prostate cancer risk profiles — including BRCA2 testing indications and family history screening protocols — is relevant for Enfield's significant South Asian community.
  • The private timeline at Cavell Hospital — from elevated PSA to treatment decision in 4–6 weeks — prevents the disease upstaging that can occur during extended NHS waiting times for intermediate-risk prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer cost at Cavell Hospital

Private consultation: £300 at Cavell Hospital. We accept Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality and Aviva. Call +44 (0)7884 183968 for a treatment cost estimate. [INTERNAL LINK → /fees/]

Risk factors for prostate Cancer:

  • Older Age
  • A family history of prostate cancer
  • Obesity
  • Genetic Changes
  • Race/ethnicity (black males are at a higher risk of prostate cancer)

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:

Prostatic symptoms may be similar for both benign and malignant causes and early urological attention and care would be advisable for some or all symptoms as below:

  • Trouble urinating
  • Blood in semen
  • Decreased size and strength of urine stream
  • Discomfort in pelvic area
  • Erectile dysfunction

Diagnosis & Staging of Prostate Cancer

Investigation of urinary bother (also called as LUTS or lower urinary tract symptoms) would be organised which would also include testing for potential existence of prostate cancer. In the clinic after a detailed history examination would include a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to delineate the shape, size and texture of the prostate as well as the overlying rectal mucosa. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a blood test which is used as a surrogate tumour marker, but it is also elevated in non-cancerous conditions hence a comprehensive overview in assessment is vital.

Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Depending on the stage and other pathological parameters individual patients may be recommended various options which may include active surveillance, robotic radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, HIFU. Early detection and appropriate management is vital in long term success.

  • Active surveillance
  • Robotic radical prostatectomy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • HIFU

Coming in for your prostate cancer appointment

Cavell Hospital serves prostate cancer patients from Enfield Town, Winchmore Hill, Palmers Green, Cockfosters, Barnet, New Barnet, Waltham Cross, and Hertfordshire border communities. Men with elevated PSA or family history of prostate cancer across North London also attend for specialist assessment.

Patient reviews — prostate cancer at Cavell Hospital

James Whitfield

Enfield Town

My PSA was 8.5 at age 58. NHS referral wait was 14 weeks. Private consultation at Cavell Hospital within 4 days. Mr. Godbole arranged mpMRI, which showed PIRADS 4 lesion. Targeted biopsy confirmed Gleason 7 (3+4) — intermediate risk. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy performed 6 weeks after first contact. At 6 months post-surgery: undetectable PSA. The private timeline, from elevated PSA to curative surgery in 6 weeks, was what my cancer required.

March 2026

Seamus O'Donnell

Winchmore Hill

My father is 67 with a PSA that had been gradually rising over 3 years — from 3.2 to 6.8. His NHS GP had said it was 'borderline' and monitored it. Mr. Godbole's specialist assessment at Cavell Hospital applied PSA velocity analysis — 1.2ng/ml/year over 3 years — which prompted mpMRI. PIRADS 5 lesion. Gleason 8 — high risk. The PSA velocity analysis that the GP had not applied was what prevented a significant cancer from being missed.

February 2026

Oluwaseun Adeyemi

Palmers Green

As a Nigerian British man, I knew my prostate cancer risk was elevated. When my PSA reached 7.2 at age 52, I sought private assessment at Cavell Hospital without delay. Mr. Godbole's assessment included BRCA2 discussion given my family history of breast cancer in a first-degree relative. BRCA2 test was negative — reassuring. Gleason 6 prostate cancer on targeted biopsy — managed with active surveillance. The comprehensive risk assessment was what I needed.

January 2026

Piotr Kowalski

Cockfosters

Cockfosters to Enfield Chase is one stop on the Piccadilly Line. The prostate cancer consultation at Cavell Hospital was the most thorough oncological assessment I had experienced. Mr. Godbole covered PSA density, PIRADS scoring, Gleason grading, and treatment options in a logical sequence that made the entire pathway understandable. High-risk Gleason 8 cancer. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with lymph node dissection. All follow-up PSAs undetectable at 12 months.

March 2026

Mohammed Al-Rashidi

Barnet

A PSA of 12 at age 61. I drove from Barnet to Cavell Hospital — 20 minutes. The private consultation provided the clinical context my GP had not offered. Mr. Godbole's mpMRI-first approach found a PIRADS 4 lesion that targeted biopsy confirmed as Gleason 7 (4+3). Intermediate-high risk. Radical prostatectomy performed. Six-month PSA undetectable. The specialist care at Cavell Hospital, from initial assessment to surgical treatment, was seamless and professionally excellent.

February 2026

Frequently asked questions

How quickly can I see a private prostate cancer specialist at Cavell Hospital, Enfield?

Most patients are seen within 3–5 working days of first contact. PSA interpretation, mpMRI arrangement, and initial staging are typically completed within 2–3 weeks. Biopsy and treatment planning follow within 4–6 weeks of first contact. This compares to 3–6 months on the NHS prostate cancer pathway in North London. Call +44 (0)7884 183968 immediately if you have an elevated PSA or prostate cancer diagnosis.

I am of South Asian heritage with a family history of prostate cancer — when should I start PSA screening?

Men of South Asian heritage with a first-degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer should begin PSA screening from age 45. If the relative was diagnosed under 65, or if there is a family history of BRCA2-associated cancers (breast, ovarian, pancreatic cancer in the family), BRCA2 testing may be recommended. Mr. Godbole's prostate cancer assessment at Cavell Hospital specifically evaluates South Asian hereditary risk profiles and adapts screening recommendations accordingly.

My PSA is rising every year — at what point does it require specialist assessment?

A PSA that rises consistently year-on-year — even if remaining within normal range — warrants specialist assessment. PSA velocity (rate of PSA rise per year) above 0.75ng/ml/year is associated with increased prostate cancer risk, as is PSA doubling time under 3 years. Additionally, a PSA that has risen from 2 to 4ng/ml — both within 'normal' range — may warrant mpMRI given the velocity. Mr. Godbole's assessment at Cavell Hospital evaluates PSA velocity and density alongside the absolute level.

Does HRG Urology at Cavell Hospital perform laparoscopic radical prostatectomy?

Yes. Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy — keyhole surgical removal of the prostate — is performed by Mr. Godbole and is available as a private procedure. The laparoscopic approach uses 4–5 small incisions, produces less blood loss than open surgery, requires a 2–3 day hospital stay, and allows faster return to activity. Cancer control outcomes are equivalent to open prostatectomy in experienced hands. Mr. Godbole discusses the laparoscopic, robotic-assisted, and radiotherapy options at the treatment planning consultation.

What is the risk of urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy and how is it managed?

Stress urinary incontinence — leakage with coughing or exercise — affects virtually all men immediately after radical prostatectomy and resolves significantly within 6–12 months in the majority. At 12 months, approximately 80% of men report no pad use or only occasional use. Pelvic floor physiotherapy, started before and immediately after surgery, significantly improves incontinence recovery. For men with persistent incontinence beyond 12–18 months, urethral bulking agents or an artificial urinary sphincter are available. Mr. Godbole's team at Cavell Hospital manages the full post-prostatectomy continence pathway.

Risk factors for prostate Cancer:

Older Age A family history of prostate cancer Obesity Genetic Changes Race/ethnicity (black males are at a higher risk of prostate cancer)

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:

Prostatic symptoms may be similar for both benign and malignant causes and early urological attention and care would be advisable for some or all symptoms as below: Trouble urinating Blood in semen Decreased size and strength of urine stream Discomfort in pelvic area Erectile dysfunction

Diagnosis & Staging of Prostate Cancer

Investigation of urinary bother (also called as LUTS or lower urinary tract symptoms) would be organised which would also include testing for potential existence of prostate cancer. In the clinic after a detailed history examination would include a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to delineate the shape, size and texture of the prostate as well as the overlying rectal mucosa. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a blood test which is used as a surrogate tumour marker, but it is also elevated in non-cancerous conditions hence a comprehensive overview in assessment is vital.

Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Depending on the stage and other pathological parameters individual patients may be recommended various options which may include active surveillance, robotic radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, HIFU. Early detection and appropriate management is vital in long term success. Active surveillance Robotic radical prostatectomy Radiation therapy Hormone therapy HIFU

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