Prostate Problems – The Bottom Line
·
In 2009, 40,841 men
in the UK were diagnosed with prostate cancer.
·
In 2010 there were
10,721 deaths from prostate cancer in the UK.
·
In 2005-2009, 81% of
men in England survived their prostate cancer for five years or more.
Interesting
facts. So why is it that many men still
bury their heads in the sand when it comes to thinking about this killer
cancer? Maybe it is the fact that with
early prostate cancer men are unlikely to have any significant symptoms. This is due to the fact that with this
particular cancer and with the position of the prostate gland, it is not until the cancer is large enough to
put pressure on the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) that
any changes are noticed. In men over the
age of 50, there is also the fact that the prostate gland often gets larger due
to a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia or hypertrophy
(BPH).
The symptoms
of both that benign enlargement of the prostate gland and when a malignant
tumour (cancer) is present, are similar and can include any of the following:
·
Difficulty passing urine
·
Having to pass urine more often
than usual, especially during the night
·
There can be some pain when
passing urine
·
Blood might be seen in the urine
although this is one of the less common symptoms.
If you
notice any of these things, it’s important to go and get checked over by your
doctor. But it is also important to
remember not to panic, because most enlargements of the prostate will not turn
out to be cancer.
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include all
the symptoms that I have already mentioned but it the cancer is advanced it may
have spread. In that case some symptoms
that are due to the spread of the disease and the formation of secondary
cancers might be noticed. The symptoms that appear
due to secondary cancers will depend on where in the body the secondary cancers
have developed. However, there will be a few more general symptoms that some
men will have, and those might be things like feeling more tired than usual,
feeling generally unwell and experiencing a loss of appetite.
It is obviously a great idea to have any cancer
detected early and with prostate cancer early intervention will make a dramatic
impact on survival rates for men with the disease.
This is something that can be nipped in the bud and
just because you cannot see your prostate gland does not mean that it will not
give you trouble. You need to be aware
of just how common prostate problems are in men, as they get older, and make
sure that you take up any offers for regular testing that come your way. Know your body and its functions and be ready
to react quickly if you suspect anything is wrong. Survival rates for men with prostate cancer
are improving all the time so don’t be shy or afraid, go and get advice and
help if you need it!
Please note that all information and
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and companies themselves and is only intended as additional information to your
general knowledge and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or
treatment. So please do not delay or disregard any medical advice received due
to information gathered on UK Health Radio.
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Amanda Thomas
UK Health Radio
