1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in the UK. There are around 48,500 men diagnosed with the disease, and more than 12,000 deaths each year. Prostate Cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in the UK and often creates a large amount of anxiety and hesitation around testing and addressing symptoms. This November, as a woman, you can play a crucial role in supporting the men in your life—whether it’s your partner, father, brother, or friend—to take proactive steps toward better prostate health.
There is no official screening program run by the NHS, although the PSA blood test is offered to patients who request it or have apparent symptoms. Mr Sachin Agrawal, Consultant Urologist at New Victoria Hospital, invites all men to be more proactive towards their prostate health. “The majority of prostate cancers are not life threatening and can be safely monitored”, says Mr Agrawal, “whilst a small number can grow faster and can behave more aggressive if left. MRI and biopsies can help to identify these cases which would benefit from early treatment. Most can be cured if found early.”
“Men often tend to overlook symptoms and might be less health conscious than women, but seeking medical help if you have concerns over symptoms or risk factors can help detect any problem early with potentially better treatment options and outcome, as well as peace of mind for your loved ones and yourself.”
How does prostate cancer screening work?
Prostate cancer risk increases in men over 50 years old, with a family history of prostate, breast or ovarian cancer and black men.
At an early stage, symptoms might not be present. However, common signs include:
- Difficulty starting to urinate or the need to urinate frequently and at night, sometimes urgently
- Blood in the urine, known as haematuria
- Pressure or pain in the rectum
- Difficulty having an erection
- Weak, dribbling or interrupted flow of urine
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis or thighs
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
“Men should check their urine regularly and monitor the way they use the toilet. Are they going at irregular times or more frequently? Also, if they are noticing pains in the groin, lower back and generally experiencing any of the above symptoms in the early stages. Prostate cancer can be diagnosed with a PSA blood test, MRI scan and in some cases a prostate biopsy are needed. Side effects of the disease at more advanced stages include difficulty in passing urine, blood in the urine and other generalised symptoms including bone pain and weight loss.” continues Mr Agrawal.
If you notice your partner or a loved one experiencing any of these symptoms, suggest checking in with a GP or Urologist. Sometimes men ignore these signs, but having a loved one’s encouragement can be a crucial push toward seeking help.
PSA levels rise as men get older and is not necessarily an indication that cancer is present. High PSA levels can be a sign of UTIs, an enlarged prostate or even related to exercise/cycling. However, being in control of your own health can give you peace of mind. “Prostate cancer is mostly asymptomatic as it needs to have progressed quite far in order to cause noticeable changes. That’s why it is so important for men to get screened, as most cases will go undetected for a long time.
Being proactive may help to identify men at risk and prevent more complicated health concerns in the future.” concludes Mr Agrawal.
What can you do to look after the men in your life?
A healthy lifestyle, including following the Mediterranean diet, incorporating exercise into your routine, and avoiding smoking and drinking, will reduce general cancer risk and they might feel more motivated to make healthy choices if you are doing it together.
Remind them to monitor the colour of their urine and their toilet habits, encourage them to speak to a GP or book an appointment with a Urologist if your loved ones are over 45 with a family history of cancer, of black ethnicity or you think they will benefit from medical reassurance about their prostate health.
New Victoria Hospital offers PSA blood tests on the same day of your appointment with a Consultant Urologist or private GP. If you would like to speak to our specialists, request an appointment online.
Your encouragement can empower the men in your life to be proactive. Urge them to consider booking an appointment if they need guidance or reassurance.
