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26th November 2024
What You Should Know About Prostate Cancer: Expert Advice from Mr. Gregory Nason
In today's fast-paced world, it is important for men to prioritise their health and well-being. Taking an active interest in your health can lead to a longer, more fulfilling life. One critical aspect of men's health that often goes overlooked is prostate cancer. For men over the age of 50, routine screenings for prostate cancer are essential. Regular check-ups can help catch any health issues early, making a positive impact on your overall well-being.
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What does my prostate do?
Your prostate is a gland which forms part of the male reproductive system. It is in front of the rectum and below the bladder. It has a key role to add fluid to semen. The muscles within your prostate also pushes semen through your urethra. The fluid produced by the prostate helps to lubricate the urethra during ejaculation. It also provides essential enzymes, vitamins, and acids to keep sperm cells healthy.
Your prostate is small but tends to become larger as you age, particularly after the age of 40.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs when cancerous cells begin to grow in the prostate. The most common form of prostate cancer is adenocarcinoma, which is when cancerous cells form in glands that produce fluid.
Prostate cancer grows slowly, and you can often have no symptoms before you are diagnosed. Approximately 90% of men who present with prostate cancer will have no symptoms and have been diagnosed because of a PSA blood test, which is discussed later in this article.
Because prostate cancer tends to grow at a slower pace than other forms of cancer, it is considered very treatable if detected early.
On average, approximately 4,000 men in Ireland are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. There are more cases of prostate cancer diagnosed each year than breast and lung cancer. The survival rate among men with prostate cancer is over 90%.
Prostate Rapid Access Clinic
The Prostate Rapid Access Clinic delivered by the urology department at Mater Private Network in Dublin provides same day review and access to diagnostic tests as required for patients.
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What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Urinating more regularly during the day and at night
- Issues with starting or stopping urination
- Slow flow of urination
- Pain when urinating
- Presence of blood in urine or semen
- Feeling like your bladder is not fully empty
- Weight loss
- Erectile dysfunction or painful ejaculation
- Bone pain or pain around lower back, hip, or chest
- Loss of control of bladder or bowel
It is advisable to speak to your GP if you have any of these symptoms. Your GP can begin the diagnostic process to determine whether your symptoms relate to prostate enlargement, which is normal as men age, or whether you need further testing to determine if you have prostate cancer.
More advanced prostate cancer symptoms can be more noticeable, and include:
- Bone pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Blood in urine (rare symptom)
At what age should I start having my prostate checked?
Generally, prostate cancer affects men who are over the age of 50. If you notice any symptoms of prostate cancer and you are 50 or older, you should speak to your GP. If possible, you should check for a genetic link to prostate cancer within your family. Men whose brother or father had prostate cancer face a higher risk of developing prostate cancer themselves. If there are multiple cases of prostate cancer within your family, the risk of you developing this cancer increases.
How frequently should I schedule my prostate screenings?
In Ireland, there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer which means there are no standardised recommended intervals at which you should have your prostate checked. Most urologists or prostate cancer experts advise that men who are over the age of 50 should have their prostate checked annually or bi-annually.
If you are concerned about your health, you should contact your GP who can advise you about whether you require the necessary examinations to identify potential prostate cancer.
If necessary, your GP will perform a physical exam to help with a diagnosis. This exam, known as a digital rectal exam (DRE), involves your GP inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to feel for any abnormalities in your prostate.
For early detection, a PSA blood test is another important diagnostic tool. It is used to check the level of a prostate-specific antigen in your blood. An elevated level of this antigen may indicate prostate cancer or another condition, such as a urinary tract infection, which may be less serious.
If, after ruling out a different condition, your PSA antigen is still high, you will be referred to urologist who will carry out additional tests, such as a non-invasive MRI or a prostate biopsy, to reach a diagnosis.
Can I get a prostate screening at Mater Private Network?
Yes, prostate screening is available at Mater Private Network. If you are visiting our HealthCheck service, a PSA blood test screening is carried out for all male patients who are over 40. Testicular examinations are also available during a HealthCheck screening.
We also operate a Prostate Rapid Access Clinic at the Urology Department in Mater Private Network in Dublin. This service provides you with same day review and access to diagnostic tests as required. Once you are referred to the service, you will be appointed to a consultant who will review your condition, conduct a PSA blood test, and a DRE.
Awareness and active engagement in your prostate health is incredibly important. If you have are living with prostate cancer, the Irish Cancer Society provides valuable information and support to help you navigate through what will be a challenging road ahead.
The above content was reviewed by Mr. Gregory Nason, Consultant Urologist at Mater Private Network.
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