Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with approximately 52,000 men diagnosed every year. It’s a disease that predominantly affects older men, but it can also occur in younger people. Being aware of the signs, symptoms, and available tests is crucial for early detection, as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Here, we explore the key aspects of prostate cancer – what to look out for, how it’s diagnosed, treatment options, and what’s being done to improve survival rates. We also look at recent campaigns, including Sir Chris Hoy’s efforts to raise awareness about the importance of early screenings.
Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. This is why it’s important for men, especially those over 50 or with a family history of prostate cancer, to be proactive about their health. However, if symptoms do appear, they can include:
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Pain or discomfort during urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
- Erectile dysfunction or painful ejaculation
It’s important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to prostate cancer and can be caused by benign conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). That’s why it’s crucial to speak to a GP if you notice any changes in your health.
When to see your GP
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, the best course of action is to contact your Primary Care 24 GP as soon as possible. While these symptoms may not necessarily indicate prostate cancer, early intervention can help rule out serious conditions or ensure that you receive the necessary treatment if needed. The NHS recommends that men aged 50+ should discuss their risk with their GP, especially if they have a family history of prostate cancer, as they may be at higher risk.
NHS guidelines and tests for prostate cancer
If your GP suspects that you may have prostate cancer, they will likely refer you for a series of tests. The primary tests used to diagnose prostate cancer in the UK include:
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): This is a physical examination where the doctor checks for any abnormalities in the prostate, such as lumps or irregularities. Although this test can be uncomfortable, it’s quick and provides valuable information.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test: PSA is a protein produced by the prostate. Higher levels of PSA in the blood can indicate prostate cancer, but elevated levels can also be caused by other conditions such as an enlarged prostate or infection. It’s important to note that the PSA test is not definitive on its own and is typically used in conjunction with other tests.
- Biopsy: If the PSA levels are high or if the DRE reveals abnormalities, your doctor may recommend a biopsy. This involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate to check for cancerous cells.
- Imaging tests: In some cases, additional imaging tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may be used to determine the size and location of the cancer, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment options for prostate cancer
Once diagnosed, there are several treatment options available, depending on the stage of the cancer, your age, and your overall health. Common treatments include:
- Active surveillance: In cases of slow-growing prostate cancer (low-risk), doctors may recommend monitoring the cancer through regular PSA tests and biopsies rather than immediate treatment. This is often the case for older men or those with other health concerns.
- Surgery: For localised prostate cancer, surgery to remove the prostate (radical prostatectomy) is a common treatment. This can be done through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive robotic surgery, which can offer quicker recovery times and fewer complications.
- Radiotherapy: Radiation therapy can be used to target and destroy cancer cells. This may be used after surgery or as a primary treatment for men who are not suitable candidates for surgery.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy works by lowering the levels of testosterone, which prostate cancer cells need to grow. This is often used for more advanced cancers or as an adjunct to other treatments.
- Chemotherapy: For prostate cancers that have spread (metastatic prostate cancer), chemotherapy may be used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
- Immunotherapy and targeted therapy: In some cases, immunotherapy or targeted therapy may be recommended, especially for cancers that do not respond to traditional treatments. These newer therapies aim to stimulate the body’s immune system or target specific cancer-causing proteins.
Improvements in treatment
Thanks to advancements in medical technology and early detection, the survival rates for prostate cancer have improved significantly over the past few decades. According to the NHS, around 85% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer survive for at least 10 years, and the survival rate continues to improve with ongoing research and improved treatments.
More men are surviving prostate cancer today due to better screening, early detection, and treatment. In fact, prostate cancer survival rates have improved by 10% over the last 40 years, with many men now living long, healthy lives after diagnosis.
Recent news: Sir Chris Hoy and early screenings
In recent news, former Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy has been an outspoken advocate for raising awareness about prostate cancer, particularly the importance of earlier screenings.
Hoy has called for earlier access to prostate cancer screenings for men at higher risk, such as those with a family history of the disease. The current NHS guidelines recommend that men over 50 (or younger if they have a family history) should discuss their risk with their GP, but there’s been growing pressure from campaigners like Hoy for more widespread screening to catch cancers early before they spread.
Hoy believes that, with early detection, more lives can be saved, and treatment can be more effective. His advocacy is part of a broader push to ensure that men aren’t delaying important health checks, often due to stigma or lack of awareness.
Stay aware
Prostate cancer is a serious but treatable condition, and early detection is key to improving outcomes. If you’re experiencing any symptoms such as changes in urination or pelvic pain, it’s important to see your GP as soon as possible. With a variety of treatment options available, including surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, many men go on to live long, healthy lives after a diagnosis. With continued efforts by public figures like Sir Chris Hoy to raise awareness, we can hope to see even better outcomes and survival rates in the future.
If you or someone you know is concerned about prostate cancer, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP for advice and support. Early detection saves lives.
