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Don't die of
embarrassment!
DON'T die of embarrassment! That is
the message to men throughout Merseyside to mark:- 'Prostate Cancer Awareness
Month' this month.
It is the UK's 2nd biggest cancer killer claiming 10,000 lives a year, but
it seems that many men are still putting off a visit to their doctors for a
very quick test that can tell them if they are in the clear or if they need
treatment. And it is this delay that is responsible for many prostate cancer
deaths according to Consultant Urologist Mr Phil Cornford.
Now Mr Cornford, who practices at Spire Liverpool Hospital in, Greenbank
Road, Liverpool, is urging everyone to bring the subject into the open in
order to encourage men to:- 'take the test'.
"There isn't any point skirting around the subject, the most common
test involves a digital examination; that means the doctor feeling inside
the man's back passage; it's a simple as that! It is common practice for the
doctor, usually takes less than a minute, is relatively pain and can save
your life; so what are you waiting for! Many men are embarrassed by the
thought of this and so put off the test. I want people to use Awareness
Month to discuss prostate cancer and help men overcome their reluctance to
get themselves tested." he said.
The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown, but what is certain is
that chances of developing it increase in men over 50 years of age. Although
it is more common in men of African Caribbean or African descent it is
actually less common in men of Asian descent.
Men whose father or brother has been affected by prostate cancer are also at
higher risk of being affected themselves.
"A blood test known as a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test can be
the first step to checking for cancer, but this can only supply an
'indicator' and the truth is a digital examination will most likely be
needed afterwards. The problem with the PSA test is that levels can be
raised by non cancerous growths or urinary infections of the prostate. But
it is better to be safe than sorry and, if necessary, a follow up digital
examination will then allow doctors to be much more exact in their
diagnosis. The good news is that, if spotted in time, prostate cancer
is very treatable with latest figures showing that 84% of those treated live
for 10 years or more after treatment," said Mr John Mccabe, also a Consultant Urologist
at Spire Liverpool.
Prostate Cancer Facts:-
► Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
► Over 44,000 men are diagnosed with
prostate cancer every year; that's more than 120 men every day.
► Every hour 1 man dies from prostate
cancer; that's more than 10,500 men every year.
► 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer in
their lifetime.
► Over 330,000 men are living with and
after prostate cancer. |
