Men’s Health Week: Let’s talk about prostate
During Men’s Health Week (10-16 June), we’re backing the national campaign to get men talking about their health – and particularly their prostate.
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men and 1 in eight will get it over their lifetime.
The risk is higher among men over 50, Black men and those with a family history of prostate cancer.
But prostate cancer is very treatable if it’s found early, so it’s important that men discuss concerns with their family doctor.
Prostate cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms in its early stages but where they do appear they can include:
- Needing to pee more frequently, often at night
- Needing to rush to the toilet
- Difficulty starting to pee
- Straining or taking a long time to pee
- Weak flow
- Feeling that your bladder hasn’t fully emptied
- Blood in your urine or semen
If you have these symptoms, you should see your GP. It’s much more likely to be prostate enlargement, a common condition associated with ageing, but it’s important to rule out cancer.
Further information about prostate cancer risk factors, symptoms and treatment is available on the NHS website.