Prostate Cancer affects 1 in 8 men during their lifetime and is the most common cancer for men in the UK. Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland which is found at the base of your bladder and is about the size of a walnut. Prostate cancer is where cells in the gland grow in an uncontrolled manner, the need for treatment is dependent on the rate of growth and spread of the cancer.
Prostate cancer is unlikely to cause symptoms particularly in the early stages, urinary symptoms such as difficulty passing urine are more likely to be caused by a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When prostate cancer spreads it can cause symptoms such as back pain, tiredness and unexplained weight loss. The lack of initial symptoms means it is important to consider your risk, there are 3 main risk factors these are: age, family history and ethnic background.
If you feel you are at risk or have symptoms it is important to speak to your GP. So they can examine you, take a blood test and refer you onto specialist support if required.
You can find out more information about prostate cancer including tests, treatments and types/stages of prostate cancer using the following resources below:
Prostate Cancer UK- https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/about-prostate-cancer#
Cancer Research UK- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer
