Prostate Cancer
Find out the facts…
Prost8 UK & Prostate Cancer
Prost8 UK specialises in promoting early awareness of the symptoms of prostate cancer, campaigning for earlier more accurate diagnosis and providing access to newer, less invasive treatment options. Improving post prostate cancer lifestyle outcomes is our prime aim.
Our focus and motivation is awareness campaigns and fundraising to donate and deploy at least one set of Focal Ablation equipment, both HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) and Cryotherapy, into each of the NHS Cancer care Regions in the UK as well as promoting more effective screening.
We would like to make it clear that our focus is less on research, medical advice or nursing care. Although we provide an overview of the main topics of prostate cancer in this website we are not, nor do we imply to be, specialists in the medical aspects.
There are a number of established and respected charities and organisations that already excel in providing detailed and specific information on the condition itself along with cutting edge research and even nursing care. The following are among those we most recommend:
Also see: www.prostatecanceruk.org
What is Prostate Cancer
Early diagnosis of prostate cancer is essential as the aggressiveness varies considerably.
Some tumours develop very slowly and can often have little or no noticeable symptoms whereas other types grow rapidly and spread quickly, often breaking through the outer membrane of the prostate capsule.
Prostate cancer is considered ‘localised’ whilst it remains contained within the prostate gland with no evidence of cancerous cells outside the capsule. This is the optimal stage to find prostate cancer as it enables the patient to take advantage of the widest range of possible treatment options, and most importantly the newer, less invasive options, such as focal ablation including HIFU and Cryotherapy, that Prost8 UK is campaigning for.
In non-localised prostate cancer cells have usually broken through or spread outside of the prostate capsule and invade surrounding
tissues and organs, even spreading further through the body and affecting bones (Metastasis).
The risk and incidence of prostate cancer increases with age. There are generally no signs or symptoms during the early stages of the disease and these can appear depending on where the cancer is located in the prostate and whether it has spread.
Important note: try not to search randomly on search engines for information on prostate cancer (or any other illness or condition). There is a lot of inaccurate and spurious information which can cause unnecessary worry, or worse still mislead you regarding the seriousness of symptoms. If you have any doubts at all, always refer to your GP or a medical specialist to get a professional diagnosis. It is better to play safe, prostate cancer is always more treatable at early stage.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
As Prostate Cancer is slow developing there may be little or no obvious signs in the early stages.
Because of this the condition can be quite advanced by the time it is diagnosed.
The first symptoms are usually not experienced until the prostate has enlarged enough to physically apply pressure to the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder).
When the prostate does impact on the urethra you may notice things like:
- peeing more frequently
- difficulty in peeing (straining or hard to start the flow)
- a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied
- urgent need to urinate (rushing to the toilet)
- weak flow or taking a long time to pee
- signs of blood in the urine or semen
If you experience any of these symptoms they should not be ignored, BUT equally they do not mean you have prostate cancer either. They can be a sign of other conditions such as prostatitis (enlargement of the prostate, most usually associated with aging).
What is the Prostate
The prostate is a smallish gland about the size of a walnut just below the bladder and in front of the rectum (back passage) and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis). It comprises of 2 lobes and an outer layer called the capsule.
The main function of the prostate gland is to produce a thick white fluid, semen, which mixes with sperm produced by the testicles and is stored in a gland behind the prostate called the seminal vesicle.
The male hormone testosterone (which is the driver for things like your sex drive, erectile function and even muscle development) is made in the testicles and influences how the prostate works. This is why female hormones are used to supress testosterone production as part of some treatment regimes for prostate cancer.
A collection of lymph nodes are situated near the prostate gland and two strands of nerves pass either side of, and are attached to the prostate capsule. These nerves are sometimes affected by treatments for prostate cancer and damage can contribute to urinary incontinence and erectile disfunction.
The prostate produces a protein called PSA (prostate specific antigen) which helps to make semen more watery.
Doctors test PSA levels via a blood test to help diagnose different prostate problems, including cancer. A raised level, usually considered above 4 (nanograms per millilitre), may sometimes be a sign of prostate cancer, but this level can rise naturally in men as they get older so is always only one of the indicators.
What Causes Prostate Cancer
The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. However, certain things can increase your risk of developing the condition.
The chances of developing prostate cancer increase as you get older. Most cases develop in men in their 50’s or older, but it is not uncommon for men in their 40’s to be affected.
Although it is not understood why prostate cancer is more common in men of African-Caribbean or African descent, and less common in Asian men.
Men with a family history of prostate cancer (such as in a father, brother or uncle) carry a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. Obesity is also now more widely considered to increase the risk.
Other sources of information on the risks of developing prostate cancer:
- Prostate Cancer UK – who is at risk
- Cancer Research UK – risks and causes
Tests for Prostate Cancer
There is no single test for prostate cancer.
All the tests used to help diagnose the condition have benefits and risks that your doctor should discuss with you.
The most common tests are:
- blood tests to determine the levels of PSA in your blood
- a physical examination of your prostate (known as a digital rectal examination or DRE)
- an MRI scan
- a biopsy
PSA Testing
A blood test, called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, is used to measure the level of PSA and may help detect earl
y prostate cancer.
Men over 50 can ask for a PSA test from their GP.
Men are not routinely offered PSA tests to screen for prostate cancer, as results can be unreliable.
This is because the PSA blood test is not specific to prostate cancer. Your PSA level can also be raised by other, non-cancerous conditions.
Raised PSA levels also can’t tell a doctor whether a man has life-threatening prostate cancer or not.
If you have a raised PSA level, you may be offered an MRI scan of the prostate to help doctors decide if you need further tests and treatment.
Read more about PSA screening and testing in the UK