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Prostate cancer

Nearly 32,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the UK. It is more common in men aged over 50 and particularly African and African-Caribbean men.

The prostate is a small gland that sits beneath the male bladder. Most cancers are slow growing but some are more aggressive and may spread to other parts of the body.

Nearly all men experience prostate problems as they get older and these are similar to symptoms of prostate cancer. Possible symptoms include frequency and urgency in passing urine, interruption to the flow of urine, difficulty in starting to pass water, passing blood in the urine and pain in back and hips.

It is important to have these symptoms checked out. A blood test may be used to see whether PSA (prostate specific antigen) is raised, as this may indicate prostate cancer. This is not always the case, however. Men over 50 are entitled to a PSA test, but it is important to understand the risks and benefits. Prostate cancer is confirmed by a doctor’s examination, scans and a biopsy.

Treatment will depend on individual needs and the stage of disease. Sometimes it is best to delay any treatment, but monitor the cancer. If a decision is made to treat the cancer this may be surgery or radiotherapy and sometimes hormone therapy is included too.