March marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in the UK—a crucial time to shine a light on the most common cancer in men. With over 52,000 new cases diagnosed each year, prostate cancer affects thousands of families and communities across the nation. Early detection and awareness are key to improving outcomes and saving lives, yet many men are unaware of the symptoms or hesitant to seek help.
This month, we’re proud to collaborate with Mr Keval Patel, an accomplished consultant urological surgeon with expertise in robotic pelvic surgery. Mr. Patel delivers exceptional care for complex urological conditions, focusing on prostate and bladder cancer. As a specialist in robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP), he utilises cutting-edge techniques to provide minimally invasive treatment and achieve optimal outcomes. In addition, Mr. Patel offers advanced procedures such as circumcision and flexible cystoscopy, ensuring comprehensive and high-quality care for his patients.
At Birmingham Urology Centre, we’re dedicated to empowering people with knowledge and support on their healthcare journey. Throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we’ll be sharing vital information about prostate cancer, including risk factors, early warning signs, and the importance of regular check-ups on our social media. Together, we can break down barriers to early diagnosis and ensure that more men receive the care they deserve.
What is prostate cancer?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits at the base of the bladder, around the urethra–a tube that carries urine out of the body–like a donut, and assists in the production, and expulsion of semen. Enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia), prostatitis, and prostate cancer are all conditions that affect those that have a prostate; men, transwomen* (and those registered male at birth), and some people who are intersex.
Cancer of the prostate is the most common cancer in men in the UK–occurring in about 1 in 8 people–and the second most frequent cancer in men worldwide, behind lung cancer. Prostate cancer develops when the cells of the prostate start growing in an uncontrolled manner–though the rates vary. Some men will experience prostate cancer that grows slowly and will have no effect on their ability to live life to the fullest, nor how long they live for. Whilst some men will need intervention for their prostate cancer to prevent the spread, called metastasis, which causes further problems for a patient’s health.
* The information produced in this blog has been written using information that has been heavily based on research in cis-gendered. Some of this information is still relevant to those in the trans community who have a prostate–but your experience may be different. For more information about prostate cancer in transwomen.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
Risk factors are characteristics that increase your likelihood of developing a disease/condition. Your risk factors for prostate cancer depend on many things, none of them necessarily preventable–such as age and ethnicity. Despite this, having one or more of these things does not mean that you will definitely have cancer – your risk is just increased. These risk factors include:
- Age – this is a risk factor for most cancers. Prostate cancer mainly affects men over the age of 50, with men most commonly being diagnosed aged 75-79 years old.
- Ethnicity – Black men are far more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than any other ethnicity, with an incidence of 1 in 4 in the UK, with a higher likelihood of an earlier diagnosis when compared to white men.
- Family History – Family history plays a significant role in determining a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. Men with close relatives, such as a father or brother, who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves. Additionally, inherited genetic mutations, such as those in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, can further increase the risk of prostate cancer, particularly if there is a strong family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer. Being aware of your family history and discussing it with a healthcare professional can help determine your risk and guide decisions about early screening and preventive measures.
- Lifestyle – As with many cancers, a diet high in processed foods, red meat, and saturated fats, along with low consumption of fruits and vegetables, may contribute to a higher risk. Additionally, obesity, lack of physical activity, and smoking have been linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
Early warning signs & symptoms of prostate cancer
Recognising the early warning signs of prostate cancer can make a crucial difference in achieving better outcomes. While some men with early prostate cancer may not experience any symptoms, it’s important to be aware of potential changes that could indicate a problem worth investigating.
Common symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Changes in urination, such as difficulty starting or stopping, a weak flow, or frequent urination, particularly at night
- A feeling that the bladder is not fully empty after urination
- Pain or a burning sensation when urinating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, or hips
It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). However, if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly. Early detection of prostate cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and better long-term outcomes.
Prostate cancer screening & treatment
Importance of Regular Screening
Regular screening helps detect prostate cancer early when treatment is most effective. While the UK has no national screening programme, men over 50, those with a family history, and men of Black ethnicity should discuss screening options with their GP.
Common screening tests include:
- PSA Test: A blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen levels. While useful, it has limitations, including false positives, false negatives, and potential overdiagnosis leading to unnecessary treatment.
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): A physical exam to check for prostate abnormalities, though it cannot diagnose cancer alone.
Benefits of screening:
- Detects cancer early when it’s more treatable
- Provides reassurance if no abnormalities are found
- Helps monitor higher-risk individuals
Since no single test can confirm prostate cancer, it’s important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare professional to make an informed decision.
Treatment Options and Advances in Care
Prostate cancer treatment depends on the stage of the disease, overall health, and personal preferences.
Common treatment options include:
- Active Surveillance: Monitoring low-risk cancer with regular check-ups to avoid unnecessary treatment.
- Surgery: Radical prostatectomy removes the prostate gland. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) is a minimally invasive option with faster recovery and fewer side effects.
- Radiotherapy: Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells, delivered externally or via brachytherapy.
- Hormone Therapy: Lowers testosterone levels to slow cancer growth, often combined with radiotherapy.
- Chemotherapy: A systemic treatment that slows or kills fast-growing cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs like PARP inhibitors to block specific signals that help cancer grow.
Recent advances, such as precision medicine and robotic-assisted surgery (RALP), continue to improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.
The importance of prostate cancer awareness
With 1 in 8 men affected, prostate cancer is a serious health issue impacting thousands of men and their families across the UK every year. However, with greater awareness, early detection, and advancements in treatment, the outlook for men diagnosed with prostate cancer continues to improve. It’s essential for men to be proactive about their health, recognise the early warning signs, and have open conversations with healthcare professionals about their risk and screening options.
At Birmingham Urology Centre, we’re committed to supporting patients on their healthcare journey by providing access to experienced specialists, like Mr Keval Patel and the latest in prostate cancer care.
This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, let’s work together to spread awareness, encourage early detection, and support those affected by prostate cancer. If you or someone you know has concerns about prostate cancer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert guidance and support.
