Prostate Cancer: What You Need To Do About It

Prostate Cancer is 1 of 3 topics Movember is focusing on this year.

Did you know that prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK? 

Importance of finding it early

Finding prostate cancer early plays a crucial role in survival. Statistics show that detecting it early gives you a 98% chance of surviving beyond five years. However, detecting it late gives you just a 26% chance of survival beyond five years.

What to do about it when you find it

It is important to talk to your doctor about PSA testing when you are 50 years old. However, if you’re black or have a family history of it, talk to your doctor at 45 years old.

Remember, catching it early will increase your chances of survival beyond five years.

What do the symptoms of prostate cancer include?

• Needing to urine frequently, especially at night
• Blood in urine or seminal fluid
• Pain or stiffness frequently in the lower back, upper thighs or hips
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Weak flow of urine
• Difficulty starting or holding back urination

Although, it’s important to be aware that some men won’t experience any symptoms. Resulting in a doctor detecting cancer in a routine check-up.

Click here to find out more about the symptoms.

What are some of the treatment options?

• Active surveillance – this involves regular MRI scans, PSA tests and sometimes biopsies.
• Radical prostatectomy – this is to surgically remove the prostate gland.
• Hormone therapy – usually used in combination with radiotherapy, it slows the progression of advanced prostate cancer and eases the symptoms.
• Radiotherapy – this is when radiation is used to kill cancerous cells.
• Chemotherapy – used when prostate cancer has spread elsewhere in the body.

Click here to find out more about the treatments options.