Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men in the UK, with around 52,300 diagnosed each year
The dangerous condition can be particularly concerning as prostate cancer does not usually cause symptoms in the early stages. However it is important to act as soon as you begin to experience warning signs.
Even if you do not catch the condition early on, you still have a better chance of effective treatment by catching the condition at stage 3 rather than stage 4. In fact, Navin Khosla, Superintendent Pharmacist at FROM MARS, points out that detection at stage 4 can see survival odds decrease by around 40 percent compared to that at stage 3.
The pharmacist told the Express that prostate cancer is caused by cancerous cells spreading through your prostate. He explained: "These cells can pass to other areas of your body, forming secondary tumours - prostate cancer can be fatal."
Knowing how to spot the symptoms is "crucial" according to the expert. The five main warning signs that Mr Khosla says you should look out for are:
- Urinating more often than usual, especially at night
- Having little control over urinating - finding it difficult to start or stop or experiencing a weak flow of urine
- Experiencing pain or a burning sensation when urinating or ejaculating
- Blood in your urine or semen
- Sudden erectile dysfunction
Getting checked for prostate cancer - everything you need to know
Mr Khosla advised that it’s a good idea to have annual check-ups with your GP for a prostate examination after you turn 30. The pharmacist added: "Your GP will perform a painless rectal examination on you where they will insert a finger into your bum to check for any irregularities of your prostate.
"Your GP may opt to perform a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test; this is a blood test which can detect any antigens in your blood which arise if you have prostate cancer."
Mr Khosla did point out that prostate cancer isn’t the only cause of a high PSA, so if this is detected you will also need to have other checks such as an MRI scan.
NHS Inform have said that PSA tests are not as reliable as doctors would like. This means that other tests and investigations are needed including biopsies that could feel invasive and sometimes painful to diagnose prostate cancer.
However, Cancer Research UK says that you should not delay seeing your GP if you are concerned. This is because the earlier it is picked up, the higher the chance of successful treatment.
How to reduce your risk
Unfortunately, there’s no way of completely eradicating the risk of developing prostate cancer. However, as the pharmacist pointed out, there are a few lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the chances - maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly are important changes you can make to improve your health.
Also, "reducing animal-fat intake and consumption of processed meats can help reduce these risks".
Mr Khosla adds that you should be extra aware of warning signs if you are at an increased risk. He said: "The risk of prostate cancer increases with age - after the age of 50, so I would advise visiting your doctor for regular prostate examinations.
"This risk is increased further if there is a history of prostate cancer in your ancestry and also if you are of African-Caribbean or African ancestry - if this is the case I would advise the regular checks to start from the age of 45."
Treating prostate cancer
If you do have prostate cancer, you may not need treatment. If the cancer is at an early stage and not causing symptoms, your doctor may suggest either "watchful waiting" or "active surveillance", explains the NHS.
According to the health body, the best option depends on your age and overall health. Both options involve carefully monitoring your condition.
Treatments can include surgically removing the prostate and radiotherapy – either on its own or alongside hormone therapy.
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