Understanding Prostate Cancer

What is the prostate? What happens if I get diagnosed with prostate cancer?

Understanding the Prostate Gland

The prostate gland, found only in men, is about the size of a walnut and located below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra—the tube that carries urine and semen. Its primary function is to produce fluid that forms part of semen.

Common Prostate Issues

Several conditions can affect the prostate, including:

  • Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – BPH): A non-cancerous condition that can cause urinary difficulties.
  • Prostatitis: Inflammation or infection of the prostate, which is also non-cancerous.
  • Prostate Cancer: The most serious condition affecting the prostate.

The Importance of PSA Testing

Men over 40 are recommended to have an annual Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, a simple blood test that can help detect prostate issues. Find out more about PSA testing here.

About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In the UK, over 47,000 men are diagnosed each year and around 11,000 men die from the disease annually. Thanks to increased awareness, testing for early diagnosis is becoming more widely available and and treatment options are advancing.

What if I get diagnosed?

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer can be distressing, especially upon hearing the word “cancer.” On top of coping with the news, you may also face the challenge of choosing a treatment plan that best suits your condition. Here's what you should know:

  • If detected early and confined to the prostate, prostate cancer is highly treatable.
  • Early diagnosis offers a wider range of treatment options than any other cancer.
  • If the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, treatment options become more limited.
  • Once cancer reaches other organs or bones, treatment focuses on managing the condition rather than curing it.

    • Treatment Options

    The NHS currently offers five main treatment options, depending on the stage of the disease. Your eligibility for these treatments depends on factors such as your diagnosis, age, and the pathology of your cancer.

    • Surgery (robotic prostatectomy)
    • Radiotherapy
    • Brachytherapy
    • Hormone Therapy
    • Active Surveillance

    Other potential treatments may not yet be widely available on the NHS but could be accessed privately:

    • Cryotherapy
    • High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) - Learn more
    • Proton Beam Therapy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Steroid Therapy