Prostate cancer
Around 10,000 men in the UK die
each year from prostate cancer. That is the same number as women
who die from breast cancer, and yet the disease does not receive
such a high profile. Women are bombarded by information about
breast cancer, ensuring they are fully aware of what symptoms to
look out for. Against this, most men are ignorant of the signs of
prostate cancer, and ready information about the disease is
limited.
Wives and partners can help by encouraging their men to look out
for the signs of the disease, to talk about it, and to take action
as soon as possible should any symptoms appear. These may include
weak or interrupted stream of urine that requires straining to
produce and, on completion, a man may feel that the bladder is
still not empty. Blood in the semen may also be a sign of prostate
cancer.
While these symptoms are most commonly found in benign
enlargements of the gland and are not specific to prostate cancer,
any man experiencing them needs to be checked by his GP.
Watch our
interview with Professor Kirby on prostate cancer and the
treatments available.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the growth of malignant prostate
glandular cells in the prostate gland. These cells multiply and
have the potential to spread beyond the prostate gland. The
prostate gland, which is about the size of a walnut, sits between a
man's bladder and rectum in the pelvis. A key function of the
prostate gland is to provide sperm with the necessary nutrients and
help in their maturation. Prostatic fluids also help to protect
sperm travelling in the female reproductive system.
Prevalence
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the UK,
accounting for almost one in four of the male cancers. Each year,
nearly 32,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer and
more than 10,000 die from it. Prostate cancer predominantly affects
men over the age of 65. The illness is more common in men of
Afro-Caribbean or African-American descent and in western
countries.
Detection
The digital rectal exam (DRE) and the Prostate-Specific Antigen
(PSA) blood test are the two most common screening methods of
detecting prostate cancer.
Staging of prostate cancer
When a doctor finds prostate cancer, he or she will try to
determine the extent of the disease. This is called clinical
staging. The doctor may use various diagnostic tests to find out
whether the cancer has spread, and if so to which location. The
stage of the disease, later combined with its pathological grade,
will help determine treatment options.
Progression of prostate cancer
Most prostate cancers will grow slowly. However, in some cases
prostate cancer can grow rapidly regardless of the patient's age
and can become life threatening. If it is not treated, the cancer
may spread beyond the prostate gland, reach surrounding tissue and
organs, and eventually spread to other parts of the body.
Living with prostate cancer
Early detection and adequate treatment aim to eliminate prostate
cancer or to prevent it from progressing, which can greatly reduce
the risk of dying from the disease and the occurrence of painful
symptoms. Like any form of treatment, prostate cancer treatment can
pose physical, psychological and emotional challenges, and some
treatments require extensive recovery time. The patient may also
have to deal with relational, sexual and other issues during the
course of treatment and recovery.
To find out more information
about prostate cancer, please contact us at: info@thelondonclinic.co.uk
More information about prostate cancer and its symptoms can be
found at:
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This page is designed for educational purposes only and is not
engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The
information provided through these pagess should not be used for
diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a
substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may
have a health problem, you should consult your health care
provider.