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St Helens Member’s Area- Welfare
While the main NARPO website contains a number of welfare articles on a range of subjects, our branch is publishing a list of local articles prepared by our Chair, Anita Ashcroft, which can be found below.
Prostate Cancer
What is it?
Prostate cancer is cancer that develops in the prostate gland. It is the most common cancer in men with
64,000 men diagnosed each year. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located below the
bladder and in front of the rectum. This tiny gland secretes fluid that mixes with semen, keeping sperm
healthy for the time it’s required.
Who are at risk?
Only men can get prostate cancer. It is a serious disease and unfortunately, it’s quite common. The
statistics show that one in eight white men and one in 4 black men at some point in their lives, will
develop prostate cancer. Fortunately, most people get diagnosed before it spreads beyond their prostate
glands and treatment at this stage often eliminates the cancer.
What are the symptoms?
Early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes any symptoms at all. However, as prostate cancer progresses,
you may start to notice changes. Please contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these
symptoms of prostate cancer:
Frequent, sometimes urgent, requirement to urinate, especially at night
A weak urine flow, or a flow that starts and stops
Any pain or burning when you pass urine
Loss of bladder control (This is called urinary incontinence)
Loss of bowel control
What are the Risk Factors?
AGE. – Your risk increases as you get older. You’re more likely to get diagnosed if you’re over 50 years of
age. About 60% of prostate cancers occur in people older than 65.
Race and ethnicity. – Your risk is higher if you’re Black or of African ancestry, especially for aggressive
cancers and those diagnosed before age 50.
Family history of prostate cancer. -You are two to three times more likely to get prostate cancer if a
close family member has it.
Genetics. -You’re at a greater risk if you have a condition called Lynch Syndrome or if you inherited
mutated (changed) genes associated with increased risk (BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes or breast cancer.
What can I do if I am worried or have any of the above signs and symptoms?
Contact your GP straight away! The GP can arrange an examination and any tests you may require,
(Usually a PSATest-Prostate specific antigen test) or arrange for a scan etc.
The sooner you know, the better it is for you. Even if you have no symptoms,
For further information or support Contact Prostate Cancer UK- 0800 074 8383
Anita Ashcroft
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