Talking about Prostate Cancer for Men’s Health Awareness Month

How common is it?

Prostate cancer affects one in eight men in the UK. It’s more common in men who are over 50, black or who have a family history of prostate, ovarian or breast cancers. If your father or brother has had prostate cancer in his lifetime, you’re 2.5 times more likely to also develop prostate cancer. Black men are twice as likely as other men to develop prostate cancer and should be getting checked by their doctor earlier, once they turn 45, as this chance increases with age and family history, too.

Ian mentioned that, contrary to the likes of breast and cervical cancer screenings where women are sent reminders that they’re due a check-up, men are unlikely to be prompted to get a PSA test before they turn 50, so you should push for the test yourself if you’re at higher risk.

Prostate cancer isn’t always life-threatening, but like other forms of cancer, catching it early is key to being cured.

What are the signs to look out for?

In the early stages of prostate cancer developing, there are rarely any signs or symptoms that you might have it, which is why it’s so important that you get checked out by your GP if you have any of the risk factors above, as some cancers can be in their early stages but also very aggressive.

One of the most common symptoms affects urination. If you’re struggling to urinate, have a weak flow or feel as though your bladder isn’t empty after urinating, you should get checked out by your GP. These symptoms are common in other conditions like an enlarged prostate, so it’s important to get checked.
For more information on the symptoms of prostate cancer, you can visit the Prostate Cancer website or the NHS.

What help and support is there for people affected by prostate cancer?

There is so much support on offer for individuals affected by prostate cancer, and for their families too. What’s important is that you take all the support you need to give you the best chances of living a long and healthy life.

You can find communities and emotional support groups, online forums and websites and even support with the financial and practical changes that prostate cancer brings with it. For more information, help and support at the useful links below.

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