Prostate Cancer Awareness Month


23 March 2023



Olga Champ – Cancer Nurse Specialist

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, in the UK, about 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

It mainly affects men over 50 and the risk increases with age. The risk is even higher for black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any signs or symptoms.

If you notice changes in the way you urinate, this is more likely to be a sign of a very common non-cancerous problem called an enlarged prostate, or another health problem. But it’s still a good idea to get it checked out.

The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a 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.

If you are concerned about your urinary symptoms or have some of the risk factors it is best to have a discussion with your GP about this.

For further information please check out

https://prostatecanceruk.org

Or www.macmillan .org.uk

If you would like further information and support please call the Macmillan Information centre at Kingston hospital on 0208 973 5001.


Tell us how we are doing we'd love to have your opinion