17 September 2023 , 07:00
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Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men - with 52,000 cases diagnosed every year.
The small gland, about the size of a walnut and found between the penis and bladder, surrounds the urethra. Its main function is to produce a thick, white fluid that creates semen when mixed with the sperm produced from the testicles.
It is unclear why men develop prostate cancer, but certain things can increase your risk, says the NHS. Most cases develop in men aged 50 or older, and it is more common in black men and less common in Asian men.
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Men whose father or brother were affected by the disease are at slightly increased risk themselves. Recent research also suggests that obesity boosts the chances of prostate cancer.
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In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Dr Maz Alsaffar, Digital GP Lead at digital-first healthcare provider Babylon Health, answers some of the more commonly asked questions about the disease.
What are the common symptoms of prostate cancer?
Urinary symptoms such as the feeling that you have not emptied your bladder fully, urinating more frequently, urinary dribbling, getting up at night to pass urine and waiting a long time to pass urine. For the more advanced stages of prostate cancer, symptoms can include blood in the urine/semen, unintentional weight loss and bone pain.
What age range is prostate cancer most commonly diagnosed?
Prostate cancer is most commonly diagnosed in older men, particularly those over 75 years of age. There is a higher risk for those with a family history and those from an African-Caribbean ethnicity.
What are common problems with the prostate gland?
The prostate gland is located low in the pelvic region of men. It increases in size as we age, which we tend to worry about as it can cause a ‘blockage’ in our urinary system, which in turn causes some troublesome symptoms. One of the most typical causes of an enlarged prostate is ‘Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)’.
Are there different types of prostate cancer?
There are different types of cancer which are usually diagnosed by a multi-professional team that includes a consultant urologist. The types or stages of cancer are diagnosed through a number of tests that include blood tests, scans and a biopsy of the prostate. In simple terms, the cancer can either be localised to the prostate gland itself or be at a more advanced stage where it has spread to other areas of the body.
What are the risk factors associated with the development of prostate cancer?
As mentioned above, increasing age in men can be a risk factor. Being overweight can also be a risk factor, as well as a strong family history of prostate cancer, particularly in first-degree relatives.
If I start experiencing symptoms/am worried about prostate cancer, what next?
Although not all the symptoms mentioned may be related to prostate cancer, it is very important not to ignore any symptoms and to speak to a GP as soon as possible.