Prostate Cancer: The Silent Killer
In Britain, prostate cancer claims the lives of over 11,800 men annually, equivalent to one death every 45 minutes. Shockingly, this exceeds the number of women who perish from breast cancer, reaching approximately 11,400 deaths each year. In fact, prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death in Britain, following lung and bowel cancer. The situation is no better in the United States, with the disease claiming the lives of 26,000 men annually.
Unfortunately, prostate cancer receives less than half the research funding of breast cancer, resulting in significant delays in the development of effective treatments. The disease is lagging at least a decade behind breast cancer in terms of medical advancements.
Annual Diagnosis: A Stark Reality
Each year, more than 52,300 men in the UK receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, amounting to over 140 cases every day. This staggering number highlights the urgent need for improved screening and early detection methods.
The Slow Progression of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer typically exhibits slow growth, often without noticeable symptoms for many years. The NHS suggests that individuals in the early stages of the disease, presenting no symptoms, may adopt a policy of “watchful waiting” or “active surveillance.” Fortunately, early-stage prostate cancer can be curable through timely intervention. However, if the cancer is detected at an advanced stage, it becomes terminal, and treatment primarily focuses on symptom relief.
Unfortunately, the well-known side effects of prostate cancer treatment, such as erectile dysfunction, deter many men from seeking a diagnosis.
Advancements in Testing and Treatment
The existing tests for prostate cancer lack accuracy, but new tools are emerging to address this issue. Currently, there is no nationwide prostate screening program due to the historical inaccuracy of the tests. Differentiating between aggressive and less serious tumors presents a significant challenge for doctors, making treatment decisions difficult.
Men over 50 can undergo a “PSA” blood test to obtain a rough estimate of their risk. However, this test is not entirely reliable, and positive results often lead to a biopsy, which is also not foolproof.
Despite the lack of clear understanding regarding the causes of prostate cancer, age, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle are identified risk factors.
If you have any concerns or questions about prostate cancer, Prostate Cancer UK’s specialist nurses are available at 0800 074 8383, or you can visit prostatecanceruk.org.
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