Prostate screening can save lives
Independent, August 2023
“Prostate cancer is a disease we tend to see in older age groups (over-50s), but there are exceptions, as with any form of cancer.”
Dr Sanjay Mehta, GP at The London General Practice.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer affects the prostate – a walnut-sized gland that sits beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra in males. The main purpose of the prostate is to help produce semen (the fluid that carries sperm). Prostate cancer can develop when cells in the prostate start to grow in an uncontrolled way.
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer in the UK with increased risk after the age of 45. Family history also plays a part in prostate cancer with the risk being higher if your father or brother has had prostate cancer. Furthermore, in the UK, black men are the highest risk group with 1 in 4 black men being diagnosed in their lifetime, versus 1 in 8 for other males.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Symptoms of prostate cancer include more frequent urination, hesitancy when urinating or ‘dribbling’ where you continue to pass or ‘dribble’ urine after going to the toilet. While some of these symptoms can naturally occur as men age, if it is a new change to your normal toilet patterns then further medical investigation is advised.
Other prostate cancer symptoms can include erectile dysfunction, blood in urine or some more general symptoms such as lack of appetite and lethargy.
How do you diagnose and treat prostate cancer?
The first step is to make an appointment with your GP who will discuss your medical history, the symptoms you are experiencing and carry out an examination before referring you for further investigation. In some cases prostate cancer can be considered low risk with no need for further treatment. However in more serious cases surgery and radiation therapy along with other treatments may be required.
For more information read the full article below. If you are concerned that your changes in urination may be the sign of prostate cancer then make an appointment with a Private London GP by getting in touch with us here.