Greater awareness of prostate cancer needed as cases to ‘inevitably double by 2040’
Sir Chris Hoy’s recent announcement of a terminal cancer diagnosis caused a surge in visits to the NHS website looking for advice on prostate cancer signs.
New figures from NHS England show that in the 48 hours after the six-time Olympic champion revealed his cancer was incurable, there were 14,478 visits to the page on prostate cancer symptoms, a 672 per cent increase on the previous week.
This follows from a study from the Lancet Commission earlier this year that highlighted the need for greater awareness and early detection as cases would ‘inevitably’ double by 2040.
Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer
Although the average age of diagnosis in the UK is 68, there is an increase in cases in younger men. Several signs could point to prostate cancer.
- You might notice you need to go to the bathroom more often, particularly at night
- A sudden need to urinate – you may sometimes leak urine before you get to
- the toilet
- You may have trouble starting or stopping urination
- Urine flow might be weak or intermittent
- You may experience discomfort when you are urinating
- You may experience pelvic pain
- You may see blood in your urine or semen
- You may experience problems with erections
- Bone pain
- Losing weight without trying
Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, but you’re over 50 and have a family history of prostate cancer, then it’s best to get checked out.
Diagnosing prostate cancer
There’s no single, definitive test for prostate cancer. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening test is the most common way to detect prostate cancer. PSA is a protein found in the blood of the prostate, and the test detects whether your PSA levels are elevated. Other diagnostic tests include an examination of your prostate gland, an MRI scan and a biopsy.
We perform a PSA test and other diagnostic tests during our annual Well Man screening checks if required. To arrange your medical, call +44 (0)20 4580 1152 or email [email protected].
