During Prostate Awareness month (March 2013) Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital is working to raise awareness of the most common cancer in men in the UK. Although 41,000 men are diagnosed with the disease each year, there is still a worrying lack of knowledge of this disease, which can have little or no symptoms.

What is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a gland, usually the size and shape of a walnut, which is situated underneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra that men pass urine and semen through. Cancer can develop when cells in the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way.

Who is at risk?

Men are more likely to test positive for the disease if they have a family history of prostate cancer, are African-Caribbean or over 50. Mr Charles Carter, Consultant Urologist at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital said: “A family member or a friend discovering they have the disease seems to be the biggest spur for men to check for prostate cancer.”

What are the symptoms?

In a gland the size of a walnut some cancerous tumours may be too small to cause any pressure effects so can remain undetected for some time. By the time the tumour is big enough to notice the cancer could be too advanced. Experiencing difficulty when passing urine or urinating more frequently can be symptoms but they can also be signs of an enlarged prostate.

Should all men be screened for prostate cancer?

According to Mr Carter, the public should be informed of the benefits and risks of screening for prostate cancer. “Patient views are paramount. It is important to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of testing and treatments with your doctor. Screenings have been shown to be beneficial in some trials but it can cause emotional worry and also lead to over-diagnosis and over-treatment. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test will detect tumours in the prostate gland that might never progress to cause health problems.”

In the UK there are currently 250,000 men living with the disease and many die with prostate cancer rather than as a result of it, due to the fact that prostate cancer tends to progress very slowly.

Mr Carter believes: “The right diagnosis is vital in enabling us to provide the best possible treatment for the patient.”

A number of tests are available to check for prostate cancer including a PSA test to help diagnose and manage prostate problems; magnetic resonance imaging and computerised tomography to look at the prostate in detail, and biopsy. Treatments available include surgery, laser therapy and hormone therapy.

For further information go to prostatecanceruk.org or call Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital on 01202 702830 to book an appointment