“I was concerned when my PSA levels rose over a period of two years”
04 November 2025
Ash White, a 45-year-old Security Contractor had been having regular PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) checks for three years. In his early 40’s, he was younger than the typical age men receive regular PSA Tests, normally from age 50. Aged 42 Ash went to his NHS GP with some health concerns, who carried out a PSA test. When this came back as slightly raised it continued to be monitored.
Ash after robotic prostatectomy at Spire Southampton Hospital.
Being health conscious, Ash, a fitness instructor for 26 years, including 24 years in the Army, was concerned when his PSA levels rose over a period of two years.
“I was told by my GP it was just inflammation or BPH” BPH is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. Ash continues with his story “I had an MRI, which showed something on the left side of my prostate, but they were unsure of what it was and didn’t think it was anything significant.” Ash discussed a biopsy at this point but was advised to continue regular PSA tests.
A normal PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) varies depending on age and other individual factors. Generally, most men should have a PSA level below 3 ng/mL, but this can increase with age and other risk factors.
When a test came back measuring 5.5 ng/ml Ash was referred for a biopsy on the 16 May, and a diagnosis of prostate cancer followed on the 5 June 2025.
“I was working out in the Middle East and got a flight home immediately that night. It felt like I’d been given a death sentence, and I wanted to be close to my family. As with any cancer diagnosis you want to get moving quickly with any treatment. I was made aware that it would be approximately a two month wait for surgery via the NHS. So, opted to go private.”
“I found Mr Dudderidge with the help of family and immediately chose to see him due to his credentials and experience.”
An initial consultation was booked with Mr Dudderidge, Consultant Urologist at Spire Southampton Hospital. He explained the options to Ash which included Surgery or Radiotherapy. After some consideration Ash decided to go for surgery.
Ash was booked in for a Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP) procedure on the 24 of June, just 19 days after his initial diagnosis.
During Robotic-assisted surgery miniature instruments are introduced into the body through small incisions and controlled by Surgeons to perform specific tasks. Benefits of Robotic-assisted surgery compared to traditional surgery may include significantly reduced pain after surgery, a shorter length of stay and faster recovery times. The state of the art Da Vinci Xi Robot which was introduced to Spire Southampton hospital in January 2024 offers patients improved surgical accuracy and outcomes from surgery.
Ash continues, ‘My surgery went well and the hospital and all the staff at Spire Southampton Hospital were perfect. I felt slightly rough after the operation; I’m still recovering but have healed quickly. The only major side effect I have had is dry ejaculation [orgasm]’
'When caught early, significant prostate cancer that has the risk of spreading in the future can be removed with keyhole surgery” explains Mr Dudderidge “or destroyed with focal energy sources to eliminate the risk of spreading. In Ashley’s case nerve sparing, and complete urethral preservation surgery allowed Ashley to make a perfect recovery. After 3 months he’s back at work protecting his clients, hopefully with the cancer worries now firmly in the past.”
Ash continues, ‘With an active job that takes me to hostile environments, I had no option to wait for surgery. Spire Healthcare provided me the access to an expert surgeon of my choice at a time that suited me.’
‘I would urge all men above 50 to have regular prostate checks. And any further investigations if something doesn’t feel right. I’m so happy that I did, and that I was able to get a treatment that I needed.’
Early detection can be facilitated by specialists at Spire Hospitals including Mr Dudderidge. A PSA test for men over 50 or those over 45 who are black or have a family history of the disease. An MRI scan and other novel blood tests are also available to help reduce the invasiveness of testing. In addition to robotic surgery, Spire Southampton offers access to the full range of prostate cancer treatment strategies including Active Surveillance, High Intensity Focussed Ultrasound, Cryotherapy, Nanoknife and radiotherapy options.