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March is prostate cancer awareness month, and is a vital time dedicated to raising awareness about prostate cancer, the most common cancer among men in the UK. In the UK alone around 1 in 8 men are diagnosed with it each year.
The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer will usually develop slowly over time so there may be no signs or symptoms for a number of years. The main early warning signs of prostate cancer may include:
Difficulty urinating, or frequent urination especially at night
feeling like you have not completely emptied your bladder
Blood in urine, or semen
Pelvic pain
Painful or burning urination
The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown, but there are certain things that may increase the risk of developing the condition.
It increases as you get older, most men diagnosed are aged 50 or older
It is more common in black men
Those whose father or brother have been affected may find themselves at an increased risk
Obesity can increase the risk
If you are having symptoms of prostate cancer, a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is offered as it may help detect early prostate diagnosis. Men aged 50 or over can ask their GP for a PSA test, even if they do not have symptoms. Anyone aged 50 or over with a prostate can ask for a PSA test.
Sometimes the symptoms of benign (non-cancerous) prostate conditions and prostate cancer are similar. If you have any prostate cancer symptoms, it is important to have them checked by your doctor. Your GP can do tests to find out if you need a referral to a specialist doctor.
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