Men's Health Week is underway, which seeks to inform men and boys of services and treatments to help them live healthier, longer lives.
This year's theme is 'Time For Your MOT', urging men to take notice of what's going on in their minds and bodies.
Organisers claim two years of focusing on the pandemic has caused men to take their eyes off other serious conditions.
According to Men's Health Forum, early stage cancer diagnoses in men fell by a third in the first lockdown, with prostate cancer diagnoses down 29% between 2019 and 2020.
This is not because rates of prostate cancer fell, but because men were unable to visit their GP's due to lockdown restrictions.
The news is quite concerning as prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with 11,500 deaths in the UK every year, according to Prostate Cancer UK.
Dr. David Bull is a medical doctor, broadcaster, and advocate following the loss of his father to prostate cancer 12 years ago.
Recently, he has featured in Prostate Cancer UK's short film 'The Sit Down' to discuss his experience of having a loved one affected by prostate cancer.
The medical expert has explained the risks, symptoms, and when to see a doctor.
What is prostate cancer?
According to Prostate Cancer UK, the prostate is a small gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system.
About the size of a walnut, it's 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.
Prostate cancer can develop when cells in the prostate start to grow in an uncontrolled way.
Some prostate cancer grows too slowly to cause any problems, but some men have prostate cancer that is more likely to spread which needs treatment.
Prostate cancer usually develops very slowly and its causes are largely unknown.
However, there are a number of risk factors which can increase risk of the disease.
Risks
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms so you shouldn’t wait to see changes before you act, according to Prostate Cancer UK.
The disease mainly affects men over 50 and your risk increases with age, but the risk is higher for black men from age 45.
Men with a family history of prostate cancer are also at risk.
Dr Bull said: “Prostate Cancer UK has a risk checker which can help men understand their risk, but unfortunately there’s no way to check yourself for prostate cancer at home – it can only be diagnosed by a doctor.
"I know I’m at higher risk of getting prostate cancer because my dad had the disease, so I regularly go for check-ups with my GP, and would encourage anyone else to do the same if they’re worried they might have it.
"Some men think it’s embarrassing, but it’s not – it could save your life."
To check your risk, visit Prostate Cancer UK's 30 second risk checker here.
Symptoms
According to Dr Bull, most men with early prostate cancer don't display signs or symptoms.
However, as the cancer progresses and the prostate grows larger, symptoms can begin to show.
The main symptoms include:
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate (frequency)
- Getting up more than once a night to pee (nocturia)
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Weak urine stream or a stream that stops and starts
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
Dr Bull explained that these symptoms don't always mean prostate cancer.
He said: "These symptoms can be caused by non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate but it can also be an early sign of prostate cancer.
"If you notice any of these, go and see a doctor.”
If you are worried
If you are even slightly worried about prostate cancer, you should visit your GP.
This is especially true if you have missed check ups during Covid-19 lockdown.
David said a simple blood test can put your mind at ease.
He explained: "The GP will ask you your symptoms, examine you and take a blood test which can help indicate you have a prostate problem.
"The blood test is called a PSA test.
"If your PSA is raised, you may be referred for more tests, like an ultrasound scan, an MRI scan or they may need a small sample - a biopsy - to help diagnose the problem.”
It is understandable that some may be apprehensive when it comes to prostate cancer.
But it is important that men pay attention to their bodies, in order to keep on top of their health.
“We all know people who bury their heads in the sand when it comes to medical problems", Dr Bull said.
"That’s why if I could ask everyone to do one thing, it would be to keep having those conversations with your dads, brothers and loved ones about their health, and encourage them to swot up on their risk."
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