The NHS has issued a stark warning about prostate cancer, a disease often dubbed a 'silent killer' that will affect one in eight men in their lifetime.
Why Prostate Cancer is a Silent Threat
Prostate cancer frequently develops without any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This allows the disease to grow and potentially spread undetected until it reaches a more advanced and difficult-to-treat phase. The cancer typically begins on the outer part of the prostate gland, which is located below the bladder, meaning it doesn't press on the urethra and cause urinary issues initially.
The 30-Second Check That Could Save Your Life
To combat this, the NHS marked International Men's Day on Wednesday, November 19 by encouraging everyone to assess their risk. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the health service highlighted the statistic, reminding people that this risk applies to "a dad, uncle, brother, partner or best mate."
The post included a direct link to an online risk checker developed by Prostate Cancer UK, which allows individuals to check their risk in just 30 seconds.
Prostate Cancer UK echoed the message, stating: "Most men with early prostate cancer have no symptoms, so knowing your personal risk can be a crucial first step. The earlier prostate cancer is found, the easier it is to treat."
Know Your Risk Factors and Symptoms
Understanding who is most at risk is vital. Your chances of developing prostate cancer are higher if you:
- Are aged over 50.
- Are from a black ethnic background.
- Have a family history of prostate cancer.
- Have close relatives who have had breast or ovarian cancer, as these can sometimes be linked to the same inherited genes.
If the cancer grows large enough to press on the urethra, it can cause symptoms. You should consult a GP if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty starting to urinate.
- A weak or stop-start urine flow.
- Needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
- A feeling that your bladder hasn't emptied fully.
Other potential signs include erectile dysfunction, blood in urine or semen, unexplained weight loss, or lower back pain, which may indicate more advanced cancer.
It is important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by a non-cancerous enlarged prostate, a common condition as men age. However, any new, changing, or worsening symptoms should be checked by a GP.
Men who are at higher risk can also speak to their GP about the possibility of a PSA blood test to check for issues with the prostate.
