More than a million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year worldwide. A leading surgeon is now urging men to take one essential step, as the disease often develops without clear symptoms.
Global diagnosis figures
Around 1.5 million men across the globe are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, highlighting the widespread impact of the disease.
Death toll in the united states
It is estimated that more than 36,000 men in America will die from prostate cancer this year alone.
New cases expected this year
According to the American Cancer Society, an additional 333,830 men in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with the disease this year.
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Higher risk with age
Prostate cancer most commonly affects older men, with six in ten cases diagnosed in men aged 65 and above.
Often no early symptoms
One of the biggest concerns is that prostate cancer frequently develops with little or no symptoms, meaning many men may not realize they have it until it has progressed.
What prostate cancer is
Prostate cancer begins as a growth of cells in the prostate, a small gland located just below the bladder that produces the fluid component of semen, according to the Mayo Clinic.
One of the most common cancers
Cancer of the prostate is considered one of the most common forms of cancer among men.
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Surgeon calls for psa testing
Professor Prabhakar Rajan, a consultant urologist and robotic surgeon at University College London Hospitals and Barts Health, is encouraging men to actively request prostate cancer screening psa tests from their doctors.
Importance of doctor conversations
He stresses that men should have open and honest discussions with their doctors about the psa test to better understand their individual risk.
Harder to treat when spread
Professor Rajan explains that prostate cancer is often symptom free until it has spread beyond the prostate, at which point treatment becomes more difficult.
Who benefits most from testing
John Hopkins Medicine states that men aged 55 to 69 are most likely to benefit from a psa test, while men aged 40 to 54 may also be advised to test if they have a first degree relative with prostate cancer, at least two extended family members affected, or are African American.
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Symptoms to watch for
Although early stage prostate cancer may cause no symptoms, warning signs can include blood in the urine, blood in semen, frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, waking at night to urinate more often, and extreme fatigue.
Sources: Unilad and American Cancer society
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