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‘We’re 10 years away from prostate cancer being the most commonly diagnosed cancer.’
Prostate Cancer UK
Recent news on the latest figures shows that Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer, overtaking breast cancer for the first time. Nearly 8,000 more men have been diagnosed with the disease in 2018 compared to 2017.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men with more than 47,500 men being diagnosed every year, that’s 129 men a day who receive this life-changing news every day. Public Health England has said this increase is due to more men getting tested and with the current campaign efforts from leading men’s charities such as Prostate Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK they are continuing to encourage awareness and testing which helps with earlier diagnosis.
Several celebrities have opened up about their experiences with the disease and encouraged men to get tested. The media coverage of Bill Turnbull, a former BBC Breakfast presenter, and Comedian Stephen Fry has (according to the NHS) increased the number of men getting tested.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland. A small gland at the base of the bladder. Many doctors describe it as the size of a walnut which grows as you get older. The cancer forms when abnormal cells divide and grow uncontrollably.
Most cancers start in the outer glands of the prostate and can grow very slowly. However, some can grow more rapidly and spread to other parts of the body or vital organs.
What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?
The prostate surrounds the first part of the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis (urethra). Most types of prostate cancer develop slowly over years and go without any symptoms. Therefore, it is unusual to have symptoms to do with passing urine as the location of most cancers is in the outer part of the prostate.
To experience urinary symptoms cancer would need to be large enough to obstruct the urethra. Some men experience urinary problems as they get older due to the size of the prostate gland increasing. These symptoms are as follows:
- Urgency to pass urine
- Passing urine more often
- Weaker flow
- Not emptying your bladder completely
- Straining to empty your bladder
- Blood or semen in your urine
Spotting cancer at the earliest stage is crucial. Therefore, if you experience any of the above symptoms it is always best to check with your GP.
Testing and diagnosing prostate cancer
Some tests for prostate cancer include:
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test which measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen which is your blood.
- DRE (digital rectal examination) the nurse or doctor feeling your prostate through your back passage.
- MRI which shows a detailed picture of your prostate.
- Prostate biopsy involves using thin needles to take a sample of the prostate to test for cancerous cells.
Treatment
For many men, treatment is not necessary and for those when treatment is necessary the aim is to cure and control the disease so that it does not shorten life expectancy. More people coming forward for checks and care means the disease is increasingly detected at an early stage when treatment is most successful and survival chances are highest.
How Cavendish Homecare can help:
At Cavendish Homecare, we provide cancer care in the home for people who need additional support after their diagnosis or throughout their treatment. If you are looking for private cancer care at home, please call our home care team to see how we can assist you during your cancer treatment.
As one of our Specialist Care focuses, we pride ourselves on providing bespoke Cancer Care Packages for all your Homecare needs. Have a read of our other blog New Development – Birthing Cancer.
To speak to one of our specialist nursing consultants today give us a call on 0203 008 5210.