Prostate Cancer Screening
Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK.
Each year, approximately 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, with a death attributed to the disease occurring every 45 minutes, astonishingly this amounts to more than 12,000 deaths per year. It is therefore important to recognise the signs and symptoms associated with the condition and seek medical help if you think you may be affected.
That’s why, #HEALTH have teamed up with Prostate Cancer UK to help raise awareness for prostate cancer and break the taboos that may be holding men back from seeking treatment.
We’re now offering prostate cancer screenings for £50, including a digital rectal examination and PSA blood test with rapid results available within 20 minutes. 10% of the screening fee will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK.
What is prostate cancer and what are the symptoms?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men around the world. While it is generally accepted that prostate cancer mostly affects men over the age of 40, it can affect those younger as well as women. As such, understanding the signs and symptoms of this condition is vital for early detection and treatment. Cancerous tumours in the prostate must be addressed immediately as they can risk spreading to other parts of the body. The prostate is a small gland positioned between the penis and bladder. It is responsible for producing fluid for use in semen
If you have experienced any of the following, it could be an indication of prostate cancer:
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent need to urinate
- Weak or interrupted flow of wee
- Pain during urination
- Pain in the hips and pelvis that doesn't subside
- Blood present in urine or ejaculate.
- Pain during ejaculation.
Screenings
Digital rectal examination (DRE)
The full blood count (FBC) test is used to analyse the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets in your blood. It is one of the most commonly performed blood tests and is a good indication of your general health.
It often detects signs of anaemia (iron deficiency), vitamin B12 deficiency, infection, inflammation or clotting problems.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
The PSA blood test is quick and simple to perform, as well as being minimally invasive. The aim is to detect elevated levels of the PSA protein produced by the prostate. If this is the case, it could be an indication of the presence of prostate cancer. For more information, read ‘What is the PSA blood test?’.
#HEALTH Clinics are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these procedures, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood test.
The PSA blood test is quick and simple to perform, as well as being minimally invasive. The aim is to detect elevated levels of the PSA protein produced by the prostate. If this is the case, it could be an indication of the presence of prostate cancer. For more information, read ‘What is the PSA blood test?’.
#HEALTH are happy to answer any questions you may have regarding these procedures, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
Breaking down barriers
If you or someone you know suspects they might be living with prostate cancer, it’s crucial that you speak to a medical professional. Many of the deaths that occur due to prostate cancer could likely have been prevented simply if those individuals had gone for screening sooner. There still exists a stigma around getting tested for prostate cancer and it’s one of our missions here at #HEALTH to get rid of the stigma surrounding prostate cancer screening. We want to encourage men across the UK to talk openly about their health.
There’s no need to feel embarrassed when talking to a medical professional about your worries or asking about the prostate cancer screening process. Everything we do is centred around providing the best standard of care and offering effective treatment options for our guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does prostate cancer only affect older men?
It is a common misconception that prostate cancer only affects older men. Prostate cancer does not discriminate and can affect any man regardless of race, age, or social-economic circumstances. However, the chances of developing prostate cancer do increase as you get older with most cases diagnosed in the over 50’s.
Is prostate cancer always terminal?
Prostate cancer usually develops slowly over time, with regular screening and health checkups it is possible to detect the signs of cancer earlier, meaning a better chance of effective treatments.
Is prostate cancer hereditary?
If you have family members who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer you may have a slightly higher rick that you could be affected too. This does not mean you will develop the condition, but regular screenings are advisable.
Does prostate cancer always require aggressive treatments?
Even if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may not require treatment, instead your doctor may recommend monitoring the condition of the prostate instead.
How important is screening?
Screenings are an important tool in the fight against prostate cancer, they are proven to aid early detection of the disease and improve the chances of successful treatment for those diagnosed.
Does a high level of PSA in a blood test result always mean cancer?
While it is true that a high level of PSA in the blood can indicate prostate cancer, there are other conditions like an infection of the gland, or an enlarged prostate could be the cause.
Is prostate cancer very aggressive?
The speed at which prostate cancer develops can vary significantly. Some prostate cancers are slow growing and may only require monitoring initially rather than treatment, while others require more immediate intervention.
Is it possible to prevent prostate cancer with a healthy diet?
A healthy diet can have many different benefits for your overall health, but it does not guarantee protection from prostate cancer. However, regular screenings are an excellent way to protect yourself.
Will prostate cancer treatment cause impotence?
Impotence is one of the possible side-effects of treatments for more advanced prostate cancers but not all men experience this, your doctor will be able to discuss any concerns you have regarding the side-effects of any treatments with you individually.
Any Questions?
Simply book a consultation and we can can address any concerns you may have, to help advise you on the best course of treatment for your individual needs, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
