Prostate cancer has recently been in the media after Chris Hoy revealed his life changing diagnosis. The publicity seems to be having a welcome impact in that there is a sense that people are more willing to talk openly about prostate cancer and to share any worries and concerns, as well as wanting to be more knowledgeable about the symptoms.
This was very evident when the RSABI Health Hut had a presence recently at Murrayfield, during an autumn test match with 1000s of farming folk in attendance to watch the match. During the event the Health Hut team made understanding more about prostate cancer a key awareness-raising theme and I’m pleased to say that lots of people – men and women – were asking us about what to look out for and taking information leaflets home.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in Scotland, with around 1 in 8 men diagnosed during their lifetime. For Scottish farmers, who often work long hours in isolated environments, the risks of undetected prostate cancer are particularly concerning. Raising awareness and encouraging early detection is critical to saving lives within Scotland’s rural farming communities.
Prostate Cancer UK highlight that men need to be aware of any changes they experience in the way they urinate. This can be a sign of a very common non-cancerous problem called an enlarged prostate, or other health problems, but it’s a good idea to get it checked out.
Possible symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- difficulty starting to urinate or emptying your bladder
- a weak flow when you urinate
- a feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied properly
- dribbling urine after you finish urinating
- needing to urinate more often than usual, especially at night
- a sudden need to urinate – you may sometimes leak urine before you get to the toilet.
Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any signs or symptoms, which is why routine check-ups and conversations about any aspects of health, including men’s health are so important. Prostate Cancer UK have an online risk checker which asks 3 simple questions and can be found by visiting www.prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker.
Prostate cancer typically affects men over the age of 50, with the risk increasing as men get older. Genetic predisposition and ethnicity can also play a role. Scottish farmers, like many men working in rural areas, may downplay symptoms or put off visiting their GP due to work demands, stoicism, or geographical distance to healthcare services. However, ignoring symptoms could result in later-stage detection, where treatment options are fewer and outcomes can be less positive.
A blood test can help to detect early signs of prostate cancer, even in men without symptoms. This is called a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. It can be arranged after a discussion with your GP. This blood test measures the protein produced by normal cells in the prostate and also by prostate cancer cells. It’s normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood, and the amount rises slightly as you get older and your prostate gets bigger. A raised PSA level may suggest you have a problem with your prostate, but not necessarily cancer.
Other things can affect your PSA level too, including urine infections, vigorous exercise and if you have had surgery or other tests on your bladder or prostate.
Another examination that you may have to get is a digital rectal examination (DRE) by a GP. This is a test used to see if you might have a prostate problem or prostate cancer. The GP may feel that your prostate is:
normal – a normal size for your age with a smooth surface
larger than expected for your age – this could be a sign of an enlarged prostate
hard or lumpy – this could be a sign of prostate cancer.
The DRE is not a completely accurate test as your GP can’t feel the whole prostate and a man with prostate cancer might have a prostate that feels normal.
Your GP will discuss test results with you if they think you have a prostate problem, treatments will be offered or they will refer you to the appropriate specialist to talk about specialised treatments.
If you have any concerns or a family history of prostate cancer, please contact your GP to discuss.