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Prostate Cancer: What You Need to Know

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK and 1 in 8 will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, with the number of deaths at an all time high. Men are often reluctant to seek help, but early detection is key with prostate cancer as it is highly treatable, especially if caught in time. Here we take a look at the facts about prostate cancer and discuss how you can protect yourself against the disease.    

 

Who is at risk of prostate cancer?

Your risk of developing prostate cancer increases as you get older - most people are diagnosed over the age of 50. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s a disease that only affects older men. If you are black, or you have a family history of prostate cancer, you are more at risk, and there is a one in four chance of getting the disease. 

 

How can I protect myself against prostate cancer?

Experts recommend that if you are 50 or above you should have a conversation with your GP about getting a PSA test. This is a simple blood test to measure the amount of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in your blood and is the main method of testing for prostate cancer. Men who are black or who have a family history of the disease should do this at the age of 45. 

Around 15% of men with prostate cancer will have normal PSA levels - so the test is not foolproof. But experts agree it is currently the best step you can take in terms of early detection.  

 

How does prostate cancer develop in the body?

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the small walnut-shaped prostate gland reproduce far more quickly than usual, resulting in a tumour. Some prostate cancers grow so slowly that they may never cause any problems or affect how long you will live. 

But some men have a type of prostate cancer that is fast growing. If these cancer cells are left untreated, they can invade the lymph nodes, the bones and other parts of the body, producing secondary tumours. This type of cancer is more likely to cause serious illness and need treatment to prevent it from spreading.    

 

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer often produces no symptoms in its early stages, which is why experts recommend a PSA test. However, there are a few signs that may indicate that something’s wrong in the prostate. These can include: 

  • A need to urinate more often, especially at night
  • Difficulty starting or stopping urination
  • A weak or interrupted flow
  • A painful or burning feeling during urination or ejaculation
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Difficulty getting an erection 
  • Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. 

 

You may understandably be anxious about these symptoms, but it’s useful to remember that they are not necessarily a sign of cancer. They can often be connected to a range of other less serious conditions, but it’s always a good idea to get them checked out by your doctor. 

 

What are the treatments for prostate cancer?

Early stage prostate cancer is highly treatable and survival rates are extremely good. Latest figures show that nearly 80% of men who are diagnosed with the disease live longer than 10 years. Many prostate cancers are slow growing and may not even need surgery or other treatment - monitoring is often the best option. 

In other cases, if your cancer is localised you may be offered surgery or radiotherapy. Other treatment options can include: 

  • Hormone therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Newer forms of treatment such as high intensity ultrasound and cryotherapy to freeze and destroy cancer cells 

 

Your specialist will help you assess the risks and benefits of different treatments, depending on the type and stage of your cancer. While advanced prostate cancer can’t be cured, with the right treatment, it can often be controlled for some years. 

 

Find out more

If you are concerned about prostate symptoms and would like to know more visit Prostate Cancer UK