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Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: What is Prostate Cancer?

 

Prostate cancer develops slowly over time with no symptoms, making it harder to spot. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month aims to change this by raising awareness of prostate cancer and the potential signs that may indicate you are in the early stages of prostate cancer. In this guide, we delve into prostate cancer symptoms and how you can get involved in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month this year.

  • What is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month?
  • What is Prostate Cancer?
  • Prostate Cancer Symptoms
  • Prostate Cancer Test and Diagnosis
  • Prostate Cancer Treatment
  • Get Involved in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
  • Take Care of Your Health This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

 

What is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month?

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is a whole month dedicated to raising awareness for prostate cancer, fundraising research, and educating people about the symptoms of prostate cancer to ensure the earliest possible diagnosis.

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is held in March in the UK but also in September in the US. You will find events all year round, though, so don’t worry if you’ve missed out this year! From Marching 11,000 steps every day to joining the Big Blue Bike Ride, there are plenty of events hosted around the country throughout the year so you can continue to raise awareness and fundraise for prostate cancer research.

 

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a malignant growth that develops in the prostate gland, a small gland below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is one of the most common cancers affecting men, with more than 44,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in England.

This disease typically develops very slowly, and there are often no symptoms until it’s already developed into prostate cancer. There are also cases where prostate cancer can be rather aggressive. Early detection is the key to preventing the spread of prostate cancer to other parts of the body. To do this, you must first understand what the symptoms of prostate cancer are.

 

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Typically, there are no symptoms of prostate cancer in the early stages. Prostate cancer symptoms may only begin to show once the prostate is large enough to cause issues. You may notice certain symptoms, such as:

  • An increased need to go to the toilet
  • Straining whilst you wee
  • Feeling that your bladder is not completely empty

You should contact your local GP if you think you have any of these symptoms. The earlier the diagnosis, the more time you will have to plan and prepare for your future.

 

Prostate Cancer Test and Diagnosis

There are many different types of tests used to detect prostate cancer. The most commonly used tests include:

  • Blood tests
  • A physical examination of your prostate
  • An MRI scan
  • A biopsy

As each test comes with its benefits and risks, your doctor will discuss the best test for you in your appointment.

 

Prostate Cancer Treatment

If you have an early stage of prostate cancer, you may not need treatment. Typically in the earlier stages of prostate cancer, the symptoms are little or non-existent, so treatment is not needed. Your doctor may instead suggest to keep an eye on the situation.

Early stages of prostate cancer can also be cured if treated early. Some common treatments include surgically removing the prostate or using radiotherapy. This is why it is crucial to understand and spread awareness of prostate cancer symptoms so that the disease can be detected and treated as early as possible.

For prostate cancer that has been diagnosed at a later stage, treatment may be focused on prolonging life and relieving symptoms, especially if the cancer has spread.

 

Get Involved in Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month comes with an array of events you can get involved in. Whether you plan on taking part in March or you want to run a marathon to support the cause at another time of the year, every moment counts! To find an event near you, check out the Prostate Cancer UK website or Macmillan Cancer Support.

Don’t forget, you can also donate to a charity to show your support!

 

Take Care of Your Health This Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Campaigns like Prostate Cancer Awareness Month remind us to take care of our own health. At Home Health, we have a range of health guides to keep you informed. From prostate cancer to hay fever and male menopause, check out our health guides today and take control of your health!

 

FAQs

When is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month?

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is held in March in the UK or September in the US. Nevertheless, numerous events take place throughout the year to ensure fundraising and awareness efforts do not stop after Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Support Prostate Cancer Awareness by getting involved in an event near you!

 

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is typically symptomless, making it hard to diagnose until it has developed. However, there are some signs that may point towards prostate cancer. For example, an increased need to go to the toilet, straining whilst you wee, and feeling that your bladder is not completely empty are all signs that may indicate prostate cancer. However, these signs can also be related to prostate enlargement.

If you are concerned and show any of these signs, make sure to talk to your GP for further advice and guidance.

 

What causes prostate cancer?

The causes of prostate cancer are unknown, but there are some risk factors that can increase your chance of developing prostate cancer. Some examples include:

  • Age: The risk of prostate cancer developing increases from the age of 50.
  • Ethnicity: Black people have a higher risk of getting prostate cancer.
  • Family History: If your father or brother has had prostate cancer, or your mother has had breast cancer, you may be more likely to develop prostate cancer.
  • Body Weight: Being very overweight can increase your chance of developing more advanced prostate cancer.

 

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