Prostate Cancer Awareness Week

Understanding Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and while all men are at risk, certain factors increase the likelihood:

• Age – The risk significantly increases after the age of 50.

• Ethnicity – Black men have double the risk of developing prostate cancer compared to white men.

• Family history – Having a father or brother with prostate cancer increases your risk.

Catching prostate cancer early makes a huge difference. When detected early, the survival rate is 98%. That’s why it’s crucial to know the symptoms and get checked if you’re at risk.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut, that sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Prostate cancer develops when cells in this gland begin to grow uncontrollably.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of prostate cancer often don’t appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the urethra. When this happens, you might notice:

• An increased need to pee.

• Straining while you pee.

• A feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied.

These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as an enlarged prostate. However, if you experience any of them, book an appointment with your GP to get checked.

Testing for Prostate Cancer

There are several ways to check for prostate cancer, including:

• PSA blood test – This measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and may help detect cancer early. If you’re over 50, you can request a PSA test from your GP.

• Digital rectal examination (DRE) – A physical examination of the prostate.

• MRI scan – Used to detect abnormalities in the prostate.

• Biopsy – A sample of prostate tissue is taken for analysis.

Treatment

If diagnosed with prostate cancer, treatment may not always be necessary. In early stages with no symptoms, active surveillance may be recommended. If treatment is needed, options include:

• Surgery – Removal of the prostate.

• Radiotherapy – Often combined with hormone therapy.

For advanced cases where the cancer has spread, treatment focuses on prolonging life and managing symptoms.

Further Information

For more details on prostate cancer, check out these resources:

• NHS – Prostate Cancer

• Prostate Cancer UK

• The Get Checked Foundation

• Cancer Research UK – Prostate Cancer

• Construction Industry Helpline – Prostate Cancer

By raising awareness, we can encourage more men in our industry to get checked, seek help early, and ultimately, save lives. Let’s talk about prostate cancer—it’s a conversation that matters.