Sir Chris Hoy, the 48-year-old six-time Olympic champion, has shared the devastating news that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Doctors have informed him that he has between two and four years to live.
Sir Chris, who first sought medical attention due to shoulder pain, discovered through scans that he had a tumour in his shoulder. Further tests revealed that he had primary prostate cancer, which had spread to his bones. Sir Chris’ announcement has raised global awareness about prostate cancer, particularly given his relatively young age and excellent physical health. We at MDS feel it is important to share his message, as it underscores the importance of early detection and awareness.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small gland about the size and shape of a walnut, located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra—the tube that carries urine out of the body. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate start to grow uncontrollably. While some forms of prostate cancer grow very slowly and may not affect one’s health or life expectancy, other types can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. This aggressive form of prostate cancer requires prompt treatment.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with over 52,000 new cases diagnosed annually—that’s roughly 144 men each day. Every 45 minutes, one man dies from prostate cancer, totaling over 12,000 deaths each year. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, and currently, around 490,000 men are living with or after a prostate cancer diagnosis. Source: Prostate Cancer UK
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In its early stages, when prostate cancer is confined to the gland (known as localised prostate cancer), it often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. This is why it’s crucial to understand the risks and be aware of potential warning signs.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night
- Weak urine flow or a flow that starts and stops
- Pain or a burning sensation during urination (dysuria)
- Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence)
- Loss of bowel control (fecal incontinence)
If you notice any of these symptoms or think you might be at risk, it’s important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
Two common tests for prostate cancer are:
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
A blood test that measures the level of PSA, a substance naturally produced by the prostate. While small amounts of PSA are normal, elevated levels could indicate an infection, inflammation, prostate enlargement, or cancer. - Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
During a DRE, your doctor will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel the prostate, which is located nearby. If any abnormalities in texture, shape, or size are detected, further testing may be recommended.
If these tests show any irregularities, your doctor might suggest additional tests, such as an MRI, ultrasound or a biopsy.
Treatment for Prostate Cancer
If prostate cancer is localised and grows slowly, it may not need immediate treatment. In such cases, doctors may recommend regular monitoring through active surveillance or watchful waiting.
When treatment is necessary, the goal is typically to eliminate the cancer. Treatment options include surgery, external beam radiation therapy or brachytherapy, which is a form of radiation therapy where radioactive seeds are implanted directly into the prostate.
For more detailed information on symptoms and treatment options, you can visit Prostate Cancer UK’s website.
Prostate Cancer Screening and Awareness
Currently, the UK does not have a national screening program for prostate cancer. However, with over 52,000 diagnoses each year, there is growing support for introducing a screening program to detect the disease earlier. Sir Chris Hoy’s public disclosure of his diagnosis is helping to raise awareness and could potentially spark new initiatives for better early detection of prostate cancer.
By following Sir Chris Hoy’s example, we can help encourage more men to seek medical advice, especially if they experience symptoms or have a family history of prostate cancer. Early detection can save lives.