The disease is diagnosed in 36,000 men in the UK each year or about 100 a day. Of these 10,000 die every year or about one man every hour. Something like 250,000 men are living with the disease at any one time.This week I focus on an illness that claims far too many men's lives but which could be picked up by early detection - prostate cancer which is the most common cancer in men.
The disease is diagnosed in 36,000 men in the UK each year or about 100 a day. Of these 10,000 die every year or about one man every hour. Something like 250,000 men are living with the disease at any one time.
9 out of 10 prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men aged 60 and over. You are 2.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer if your father or brother has had it. Sadly rates in Gateshead are above the national average.
I have therefore teamed up with the Prostate Cancer Charity to ensure that every man with prostate cancer has access to world class services.
I have agreed with them that every eligible man in Blaydon can make an informed choice about having a Prostate Specific Antigen test. They should have access to a full range of 'Gold Standard' treatment options and support services. They should have a named specialist nurse and access to high quality, tailored information. We need more research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. We need to collect reliable data on treatments used and outcomes achieved.
In the meantime, all men should be fully aware of the dangers. One of the difficulties is that we are not keen on discussing such issues and often brush them under the carpet which means that we often find out too late.
Some men with prostate cancer may have no symptoms at all. However, common signs are a weak urine flow, needing to urinate more often, especially at night, a feeling that your bladder has not emptied properly, difficulty starting to pass urine, dribbling urine and needing to rush to the toilet, so that you may leak urine sometimes.
If men experience any of these symptoms or have any questions about their risk of prostate cancer they should visit their GP.
I am also a patron of Fighting All Cancers Together, a voluntary organisation to help cancer patients which has its anniversary reception, a four course dinner and entertainment on the evening of 26th February 2011 at the Marriott Hotel, Gateshead. Tickets are cheaper before the end of this month. Their number is 0191 442 0833.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
| Promoted by Paul Foy on behalf of Dave Anderson, both of St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Shibdon Road, Blaydon, NE21 5PT |