Around 52,300 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK per year. Approximately 12,000 of those diagnosed will die from the disease each year, equating to one man’s life per minute.
As March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we have put together simple steps to work towards helping individuals notice the signs of prostate cancer as early as possible, minimising the risk of fatality. This article will also provide you with some of our top tips on how you can help during this year's prostate cancer awareness month.
Assessing your risks
In 2018, prostate cancer was the most diagnosed cancer in England, making it a very common disease amongst men, trans women and non-binary people who are assigned male at birth. There are no clear links between the disease and any preventable causes, however, the following factors can increase your risk of catching the disease:
- Getting older: Mainly affecting men over the age of 50.
- Family history of prostate cancer (e.g. father, brother, grandfather)
- Obesity and excessive weight: This can increase the risk of metastatic prostate cancer which is prostate cancer that spreads to another body part.
- Hormonal factors: Those with high levels of IGF-1 (Insulin like growth factor 1) are associated with an increased likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
- Presence of specific rare inherited genetic mutations: such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome, which have been linked to heightened susceptibility to the disease.
It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors doesn’t guarantee the development of prostate cancer. However, awareness of these factors can prompt proactive health measures among those affected.
Be aware of the symptoms
Symptoms of prostate cancer may not show until the disease has progressed. These symptoms may include:
- Increased frequency of needing to urinate, especially noticeable in the evening.
- The feeling of needing to urinate comes on suddenly.
- Hesitancy when starting to urinate.
- Weaker flow than normal.
- Feeling as though your bladder is not empty after urinating.
If the cancer spreads beyond the prostate, other symptoms may arise, such as:
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis.
- Erectile dysfunction or difficulty maintaining an erection.
- Presence of blood in urine/semen
- Unexplained weight loss
These symptoms can sometimes be caused by other health issues. While these symptoms can be linked to other health issues, it’s crucial to seek medical advice to find out what is causing them and ensure you receive the right treatment if necessary.
Prioritise regular health screenings
Prostate cancer predominantly affects men between the ages of 75 and 79, but it can develop at any age. If you have a heightened risk or experience any symptoms, seeking guidance from your GP is crucial. They can discuss appropriate tests that are used to detect prostate cancer and assess your individual risk factors for developing the disease. Early detection significantly improves outcomes, underscoring the importance of scheduling regular screenings once you reach the age of 50.
How you can help
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing knowledge of the disease and the symptoms that can come with it, hoping to help sufferers catch it early enough to receive successful treatment.
There are a few things you can do to help those suffering from the disease and raise awareness. Here are some top tips to help during this month:
Educate yourself
Take the time to learn about prostate cancer, including risk factors, symptoms, screening guidelines, and treatment options. This will enable you to have informed discussions with others and provide accurate information.
Fundraisers
Many charitable organisations heavily depend on fundraising efforts to sustain their operations. These fundraisers serve not only to generate essential income but also to raise awareness of important messages and goals.
Whether you choose to participate, attend local fundraising events, or take the initiative to organise your own, there are numerous ways you can contribute. Websites such as Prostate Cancer UK offer valuable insights and ideas for hosting successful fundraisers, along with suggestions for popular event ideas.
By actively engaging in fundraising activities, you can play a significant role in supporting causes they believe in and making a meaningful difference in their communities.
Get involved online
Join online forums, support groups, or social media communities focused on prostate cancer awareness. Participate in discussions, share resources, and offer support to those seeking information or guidance. You can use hashtags like #ProstateCancerAwarenessMonth and #KnowYourStats within your posts to reach a wider audience.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute the medical advice from a healthcare professional.
Donate
Any donation can go a long way and there are several different charities you can donate to support the cause and support those living with prostate cancer. For example, ‘Prostate Cancer UK’ and ‘Prostate Cancer Research’ are two great charities dedicated towards helping funds for vital research and empowering those affected.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute the medical advice from a healthcare professional.