Data from Cancer Research UK states that there are over 50,000 new cases of prostate cancer reported each year in the country—making it the second most common cause of cancer death in males.
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The chances of surviving the disease are much higher when diagnosed early on, but a recent study has revealed that a significant number of men are unaware of where the prostate is and what the symptoms of prostate cancer are.
Health anxiety
GenesisCare, the largest cancer care provider in the country, along with Prostate Cancer Research, conducted a study with 2,000 participants and found that even though 81% of men are concerned about their health, 49% admit that they are not well informed when it comes to matters of their health. They published on their website:
While 86% of men are aware that an early cancer diagnosis can be lifesaving, 36% admit they have delayed seeking health advice, which has contributed to health anxiety.
In fact, the survey revealed that a man’s partner or support system has often been instrumental to getting diagnosed. They added:
A third (34%) of men that have received a prostate cancer diagnosis said it was their partner who spotted the signs – and 35% admit that their partner persuaded them to see a doctor.
Their findings also showed that 39% of men made the decision to get checked when someone they knew got diagnosed with prostate cancer.
What are the symptoms?
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, symptoms may not appear in the early stages of prostate cancer. So they recommend men to start having the discussion about getting screened for the disease with their doctor when they’re over the age of 40.
In the case that the disease has progressed, the NHS has listed out these symptoms to watch out for:
- Increased frequency in desire to urinate
- Difficulty passing urine
- Weak flow
- Blood in urine or semen
- Taking a long time to pee
