Why is prostate cancer a problem?

- It occurs in the prostate, a gland that sits below the bladder and produces fluid for semen.

- It’s the second highest cause of cancer death in men. 4000 are diagnosed a year, and 700 men die a year.

- Over time the number of people being diagnosed, and death rate is dropping due to increased testing.

- If you are diagnosed: 90% of men are alive after 5 years, and 90% alive after 10 years due to early treatment, and sometimes the cancer is slow growing.  



Are there symptoms that can indicate prostate cancer?

Things to look out for:

- A need to urinate urgently, difficulty with getting started and weak urine stream, dribbling after finish, blood in the urine.

- However, these can be due to other ‘benign’ prostate problems:

- BPH – Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: the prostate getting larger with age, but it’s not cancerous

- Prostatitis: an infection of the prostate

If you notice any of these symptoms you need to talk to your GP.



Should we be doing anything to check for prostate cancer?

- Yes. From the age of 50 years, talk to your doctor about a two-yearly prostate check.

- If you have a family history —father, brother— then you may need to start earlier at 40 years.

- The check is very simple: a blood test called a PSA and quick rectal examination to feel for the size of the prostate.



If a problem is detected what are the treatments?

- If the blood test indicates a possible problem, then more tests are done: further bloods, possible MRI scan, a biopsy of the prostate to look for cancer.

- If cancer is detected there are four main approaches:

- Watch and wait: because the cancer is early and is considered low risk, slow growing, and may not cause a problem.  

- Radiotherapy to destroy the cancer.

- Prostatectomy: where an operation is preformed to remove the prostate.

- Hormone injections that shrink and control the cancer.

Like all cancers can be treated if found early: if you are 50, a man, visit your GP and discuss a prostate check!



LISTEN ABOVE 

Why is prostate cancer a problem? 
- It occurs in the prostate, a gland that sits below the bladder and produces fluid for semen. 
- It’s the second highest cause of cancer death in men. 4000 are diagnosed a year, and 700 men die a year. 
- Over time the number of people being diagnosed, and death rate is dropping due to increased testing. 
- If you are diagnosed: 90% of men are alive after 5 years, and 90% alive after 10 years due to early treatment, and sometimes the cancer is slow growing.   
  
Are there symptoms that can indicate prostate cancer? 
Things to look out for: 
- A need to urinate urgently, difficulty with getting started and weak urine stream, dribbling after finish, blood in the urine. 
- However, these can be due to other ‘benign’ prostate problems: 
- BPH – Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy: the prostate getting larger with age, but it’s not cancerous 
- Prostatitis: an infection of the prostate 
If you notice any of these symptoms you need to talk to your GP. 
  
Should we be doing anything to check for prostate cancer? 
- Yes. From the age of 50 years, talk to your doctor about a two-yearly prostate check. 
- If you have a family history —father, brother— then you may need to start earlier at 40 years. 
- The check is very simple: a blood test called a PSA and quick rectal examination to feel for the size of the prostate. 
  
If a problem is detected what are the treatments? 
- If the blood test indicates a possible problem, then more tests are done: further bloods, possible MRI scan, a biopsy of the prostate to look for cancer. 
- If cancer is detected there are four main approaches: 
- Watch and wait: because the cancer is early and is considered low risk, slow growing, and may not cause a problem.   
- Radiotherapy to destroy the cancer. 
- Prostatectomy: where an operation is preformed to remove the prostate. 
- Hormone injections that shrink and control the cancer. 
Like all cancers can be treated if found early: if you are 50, a man, visit your GP and discuss a prostate check! 
 
LISTEN ABOVE

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB.

News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

Jack Tame’s crisp perspective, style and enthusiasm makes for refreshing and entertaining Saturday morning radio on Newstalk ZB. News, sport, books, music, gardens and celebrities – what better way to spend your Saturdays?

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