Around one in eight men in the UK will get prostate cancer at some point in their lifetime.
That makes it the most common type of cancer for men in the UK – but it’s also one of the most treatable, with a 10-year survival rate of 98%, according to Cancer.Net.
Research shows that around one third of men put off prostate cancer checks, over fears around receiving a diagnosis and the side effects of treatments, among other things.
But these checks could potentially be life-saving, and in early 2022 the NHS and charity Prostate Cancer UK urged men to get checked, in a campaign which has proven to be successful.
If you’re wondering how to get checked, here’s what you need to know – plus the symptoms to be aware of.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in male pelvises.
It is located between the penis and the bladder, and surrounds the urethra.
The main function of the prostate is to produce a thick white fluid that creates semen when mixed with the sperm produced by the testicles.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
According to the NHS website, symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
- Needing to pee more frequently, often during the night
- Needing to rush to the toilet
- Difficulty in starting to pee
- Straining or taking a long time while peeing
- Weak flow
- Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
- Blood in urine or blood in semen.
However, symptoms don’t tend to present themselves until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the urethra.
This is why it is recommended that you have regular check-ups, even when symptomless.
How to book a prostate cancer check-up
There is no special process to booking a prostate check-up, so simply book an appointment with your GP, and let them know on the day that you would like to be checked.
If you would be more comfortable being checked by a male doctor, then you should let the receptionist know when you’re booking.
During your appointment, your GP will access the risk of you having prostate cancer, based on factors such as your age and ethnicity.
They will then be able to perform the initial exam.
Prostate Cancer UK has also created a quick 30-second test to access your risk at home.
You’ll be asked three questions on your age, ethnicity, and family history of the disease during the test – as these can all factor into the chance that you will get it.
However, it is still recommended that you get checked by your doctor even if your risk factor is low.
What does a prostate exam include?
Many people feel nervous or embarrassed about getting their prostate checked, but it is a painless and fairly quick process.
The examination may include the doctor checking your prostate gland.
To do this your doctor puts a gloved finger into your rectum to check for abnormal signs, such as a lumpy, hard prostate. This test is called a digital rectal examination (DRE).
You might also be asked to provide a urine sample and undergo a blood test, while further testing can also include an MRI scan or biopsy.
What is the treatment for prostate cancer?
If you test positive for cancer, then there are many different methods of treatment available.
Your GP and allotted cancer support team will talk through the best options for you.
This may include radiotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryotherapy, hormone treatment, or surgically removing the prostate.
However, you might not need treatment at all.
If the cancer is at an early stage and not causing symptoms, your doctor may suggest either ‘watchful waiting’ or ‘active surveillance’.
This would depend on many factors including your age and overall health.
