March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month where the aim is to raise awareness of the most common types of cancer affecting men in the UK. 1 in 8 men are affected by prostate cancer and the number is higher amongst black men - 1 in 4 men. It is estimated that around 47,600 people are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year.
This month aims to educate men about early detection, encourage open conversations, and support those affected by prostate cancer.
The prostate is a small gland found in front of the rectum, under the bladder. It is important to fertility and forms part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer starts in the cells of the prostate. While some cases are slow-growing and may not require immediate treatment, others can be aggressive and spread rapidly.
Though symptoms may not manifest in the early stages, they may become apparent once the tube known as the urethra (that carries the urine from the bladder) becomes compressed by the bladder.
Risk factors
The following are common risk factors for the development of prostate cancer:
- Family history of prostate cancer – having a close relative with prostate cancer increases the risk or a mother who has had breast cancer
- If the mother has had breast cancer
- Ethnicity – people from black backgrounds are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Lifestyle – poor diet and lack of exercise can contribute to increased risk.
- Age – most common in men over 50.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- Finding it hard to pass urine.
- Having a weaker flow of urine or straining to pass urine.
- Feeling like the bladder remains full even after urinating.
- The need to urinate more often than usual.
- Increased frequency of urination during the night.
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis.
If any of these symptoms occur and you are concerned, it is very important to raise any symptoms with the GP.
The importance of early detection
Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. The two main ways to check for prostate cancer are:
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test – a blood test measuring PSA levels, which can indicate potential prostrate issues; and
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) – a physical exam where a doctor checks for abnormalities in the prostate.
Men over 50, or over 45 if they are at high risk, should consider discussing screening options with their GP.
Treatment is dependent on the stage the cancer is caught and what type it is. The size of the cancer and the age and health of the person will be factored when considering treatment options. Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body will also determine how medical care will proceed.
Some will not require treatment, while others need treatment that allows them to carry on with their daily lives. This can include radiotherapy, medication and surgery to remove the prostate gland. When cancer has spread, attempts may be made to control and better the quality of life rather than cure the cancer.
Survival rates for prostate cancer are generally good, however early diagnosis is crucial to increasing chances of treatment. Checking risks and knowing what to do can significantly improve chances of timely detection.
If you are interested in reading about the reliability of home-testing PSA testing, please see our blog here.
Support is available at Macmillan Cancer Support Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Prostate Cancer UK Get support | Prostate Cancer UK and Prostate cancer | Cancer Research UK
Credit: Image Cancer ribbon colors: Chart and guide
Fazila Bhana, Medical Negligence Paralegal from MDS, said ‘The importance of raising awareness of symptoms and opportunities for early detection cannot be underestimated. Prompt treatment can lead to better outcomes and improved quality of life’.
MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity, and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales, and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.
Our solicitors have extensive experience of representing clients and their families whose lives have been affected by medical negligence Click here to read more about how we can help you. Click here to read our client’s stories.
If you have concerns about a delay in diagnosis of prostate cancer, please contact our team of specialist solicitors. You can read one of our client’s stories here.
If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on 0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.
