In recent years there has been an increase in the number of cases in younger men. Nearly 20,000 new cases of prostate cancer are detected in the UK each year.

For many men there are no symptoms to alert them to prostate cancer, therefore, it is important for men to be aware of issues around prostate health.

Download the Locate Your Prostate information leaflet

The majority of prostate problems are not cancer.

Prostate cancer responds well to treatment and may be cured when localised.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

The prostate tends to grow larger with age and because of its position can cause problems with urination. An enlarged prostate, know as Benign (non-cancerous) Prostatic Hyperplasia, can usually be dealt with by medication or surgery.

The symptoms for prostate cancer can be similar to those found in men suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (see checklist) but for most men there are no symptoms. Therefore it is important that you discuss any symptoms you have with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a blood test known as a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen). Higher levels of PSA may be associated with prostatic cancer.

CHECKLIST - Ask yourself.the following questions:

Do you sometimes pass urine when you don't expect to?
Do you pass urine three or more times during the night?
Are you bursting to go and then find you barely produce a trickle?
Do you strain to pass urine, or does it take a long time to start?
When you pass urine are you always stopping and starting?
Do you have any discomfort such as pain or a burning sensation when you pass urine?
Does your bladder feel full after you've finished?
Is there any dribbling after you've stopped?
Have you ever seen blood in your urine?

If you answer yes to any of these questions your prostate may be playing up. It is important to determine whether these symptoms are due to an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a gland found at the base of the bladder wrapped around the tube (called the urethra) which carries urine out of the penis. It is about the size of a golf ball and its job is to produce fluid which carries sperm.

Can prostate cancer be treated?

Prostate cancer is now easier to detect and treat but it is important that men come forward as early as possible. For further information and advice telephone 028 9080 3344 or email info@actioncancer.org.

The service is completely confidential

Action Cancer provides:

cancer research
Action Cancer provides support for Northern Ireland researchers working in the field of cancer. We fund research studentships and provide grants to researchers in local universities. The research we fund helps to take forward the fight for freedom from cancer.
counselling and support
This is provided for patients and those close to them through our therapeutic and information service. We provide leaflets and information on cancer detection, prevention and treatments. We also provide complementary therapies, counselling and support groups to enhance quality of life.

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