Know the signs, put your health first
Prostate problems are a very common issue in men over 50. Prostates tend to get larger as men get older and this can cause a range of problems that can impact quality of life.
Even though prostate enlargement does not always mean you have cancer, it is still important to get checked.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and on average 52,000 men a year are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the equivalent of 1 in 8 men diagnosed in their lifetime. This is why, at KIMS Hospital, we want to spread awareness and support all men in getting the right advice and guidance.
There are three main risk factors to be aware of that raise the chance of having prostate cancer; age, family history and ethnicity. To find out more about these risks and the tests involved, click here to read our Prostate Cancer Risks & Tests blog.
Symptoms to look out for
Prostate cancer can show no symptoms until the prostate grows and puts pressure on the tube which carries urine from the bladder out of the penis. This is why it is so important to get regular checks regardless of having symptoms or not.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
- Frequently needing to wee throughout the day and the night.
- Needing to go to the toilet urgently and having to rush.
- Hesitancy when going to the toilet.
- Taking a long time and straining whilst peeing.
- Having a weak flow.
- Feeling like your bladder has not emptied fully.
- Blood in urine or semen.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we recommend you to speak to your GP or a Consultant Urologist as soon as possible and get your prostate assessed immediately.
If you fall into any of the risk factor categories mentioned above, we recommend that you get regular checks regardless of having no symptoms. At KIMS Hospital, we offer a Healthy Prostate Assessment for men over the age of 40 without symptoms who want peace of mind. Find out more and enquire today.
Step by Step process of our Healthy Prostate Assessment
The assessment offered to men is a two stage process;
Step 1: PSA blood test and Urinalysis
A PSA blood test (Prostate-Specific Antigen test) can measure the amount of PSA in your blood and can help to act as an indicator for further investigation of your prostate. A urinalysis is simply a urine sample which can help detect any diseases and infections and help build a health status.
Step 2: Consultation with a KIMS Hospital GP
A consultation with a GP will be booked where they will explore your family history, your IPS (International Prostate Symptom) score, perform a digital rectal examination and review the results of your blood test and urinalysis.
The assessment will help the GP indicate the level of risk of prostate cancer, and may highlight any infections or enlarged prostate that can be treated.
We understand the importance and urgency of receiving fast and effective treatment for any urology condition. If your Healthy Prostate Assessment highlights that you need further testing or treatment, our team of specialists are here to support you with your journey.
At KIMS Hospital, we offer a range of tests, scans and treatments within our Urology and Men’s Health service. To view these services click here to visit our website.
Find out first hand about our services
References
https://prostatecanceruk.org/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/