OBJECTIVE: To explore the concerns and worries in men with uncomplicated lower 
urinary tract symptoms (LUTS, but no evidence of prostate cancer) relating to 
their symptoms.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: There is no current prostate cancer screening programme in 
the UK. Evidence suggests that men with LUTS have the same risk of prostate 
cancer as aged-matched asymptomatic men. However, most men with LUTS are 
'screened' with a digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate specific antigen 
(PSA) testing as part of routine assessment. Whether this screening offers any 
benefit to patients and whether national screening for prostate cancer and 
subsequent early treatment offer any long-term survival or quality of life 
benefit is uncertain. Thus 30 men with uncomplicated LUTS were qualitatively 
interviewed to explore their concerns and worries about their symptoms. 
Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to content analysis using 
validated techniques.
RESULTS: Of the 30 men, 22 (73%) expressed a fear of prostate cancer at the time 
of their initial presentation. This fear was independent of race, social class 
and symptom severity; older men were less worried. Of the 22, 15 (68%) stated 
that after reassurance their symptoms were less bothersome and easier to cope 
with.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest there is a considerable gain in health by 
explicitly addressing the concerns of prostate cancer in men with uncomplicated 
LUTS. Informing these men of their true risk of prostate cancer (before or after 
a DRE and PSA estimate) may alleviate much of the bother associated with their 
symptoms. Despite no evidence of any greater risk of prostate cancer than in 
asymptomatic men, symptomatic men should continue to be screened after 
appropriate counselling.