Prostate Cancer Awareness

Prostate Cancer

Key Facts - Only Men have a Prostate and we provide a test for men aged between 40 and 80 years.

The Risk? - One in Eight White men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. One in Four Black men will get prostate cancer at some point in their lives. If your father or brother has had it you are TWO and Half times more likely to get it.

Growth Rate? - Prostate Cancer grows slowly, sometimes without any symptoms and has a low risk of spreading. It may never cause problems or shorten your life. However, if it is growing more quickly your chances improve if it can be caught early and treated.

Symptoms? - Some men have no symptoms. However those that do include having problems urinating (peeing) and for others a pain in the back, hips or pelvis. Of course, these are often caused by other things, that aren’t cancer. But it’s still a good idea to get any symptoms checked out.

Screening? - The NHS does not provide a screening test for Men.

The PSA Test? - There are advantages and disadvantages to having a PSA test. This information may help you decide whether or not to talk to your GP about having the test.

More Details - This website note is provided for men who want to find out about prostate cancer and a blood test called the PSA test, which can help diagnose prostate cancer and other prostate problems. We will be hosting a Test Event on 26th November 2022. Look out fro details about how to make an appointment. This will be open from 1st October. If you are worried about prostate cancer, speak to your GP. You could also speak to the Prostate Cancer UK Specialist Nurses in confidence on 0800 074 8383 or chat to them online at www.prostatecanceruk.org

What is a PSA Test? - The PSA test is a blood test that can be done at your GP surgery. It measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein made by the prostate. It is normal to have a small amount of PSA in your blood and the amount raises as you get older. But other things can raise you PSA level too, including prostate cancer. If your PSA level is raised, you may need more tests to find out why.

There is not a prostate cancer screening programme available in the UK, so you won't be invited to have a PSA test as part of a regular check up. However, East Grinstead & District Lions Club run a screening day each year. But in the meantime you have the right to a PSA test if you are over 45 and you’ve talked through the advantages and disadvantages with your GP or practice nurse.

Why isn’t there a screen programme? - The key benefit to a screening programme is to find any cancer early and treat it in time to get rid of it. However, a screening programme in the UK for all men with the PSA test may have more risks than benefits. However, if you’re over 40 and have a higher risk of prostate cancer, because you have a family history of it or you’re black, you may want to talk to your GP about having a test sooner.

Please remember

Catching Prostate Cancer Early can save lives.

Over 11,000 men die each year because of Prostate Cancer.

Return to Community Services Page

Updated: 20.8.22