Don’t die because you are too shy

Date published: 13/03/2008

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer occurring in men and the second most common cause of male death.

This week is Prostate Cancer Awareness Week and men over 50 are being encouraged not to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to recognising the dangers of prostate cancer.

The disease is still rare in men below 50, while the average age men are found to have the condition is 75 because as men get older, their likelihood of developing the disease increases.

Some men are at higher risk, and this group will include those who have a family history of prostate cancer and African Americans.

However, having an elderly relative with prostate cancer does not increase the risk of developing the condition.

Prostate cancer is more common in the West, suggesting that there is also a link with diet.

Everyman, the UK’s leading male cancer campaign, says that its research shows that three quarters of men do not know or are unsure of the signs and symptoms of the disease, and nearly one third of the men questioned said they would be too embarrassed to speak to their male friends about prostate cancer concerns.

It is important that any man who has had a first-degree relative, for example, father or brother, who has suffered from prostate cancer, is checked out for signs of the disease. Their GP can organise a blood test for them.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a gland which sits just below the bladder and through the middle of it passes the tube (the urethra) through which men pass urine.

It is almost like a tube going through a doughnut.

As the prostate gland gets bigger, it squeezes on the urethra and so those affected will notice changes to the way they pass urine.    

Prostate cancer facts

• 2.5 million men have symptoms due to prostate cancer and 32,000 men are diagnosed each year with the dcisease.
• One in three men will have prostate problems during their life.
• One in 12 men develop prostate cancer.
• 10,000 men die annually, with one man dying every hour of the disease.

Signs and symptoms

• Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine.
• Passing urine more often and/or at night.
• Difficulty getting the flow of urine started.
• Starting and stopping while passing urine.
• Discomfort (pain or burning) while passing urine.
• A feeling of not having emptied the bladder fully.
• Dribbling of urine.
• Blood in urine or semen.
• Pain or stiffness in the back, hips or pelvis.
• Inability to achieve or maintain erection.