Prostate Cancer

Each year about 36,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer in men. It mainly affects men aged over 50.

Symptoms

• Difficulty in starting to pass urine
• A weak, sometimes intermittent flow of urine
• Dribbling of urine before and after urinating
• A frequent or urgent need to pass urine
• Rarely, blood in your urine or semen and pain when passing urine

These symptoms aren't always caused by prostate cancer but if you have them, see your GP.

Find out more about the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of prostate cancer by using the resources below.

Resources

BUPA - Prostate Cancer

NHS - Prostate Cancer

 PSA Testing For Prostate Cancer

The practice does not recommend PSA blood test in men who have no significant waterwork symptoms.

If you are uncertain whether you have significant waterwork symptoms then please work out your IPSS score.  If your score is 7 or less, then you do NOT have significant waterwork symptoms. Please be aware that if your IPSS score is 8 or more, this is still much more likely to be to due to benign enlargement of the prostate rather than due to prostate cancer, but it is best to make an appointment with a GP for further assessment. If possible, please bring a print-out of your IPSS score sheet and a fresh urine sample. Please be aware that you are likely to need a rectal examination to assess the size of your prostate gland. The good news is that most men with prostate problems can now be managed in the practice without having to be referred to hospital.

For more detailed information on PSA testing please read the following links.

www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/prostate/prostate-patient-info-sheet.pdf

www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/prostate/index.html

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer, though the most common cancer in young men, it is still quite rare. With 2,300 new cases being diagnosed each year, this makes it the biggest cause of cancer related death in 15-49 year old males. It accounts for around 70 deaths a year within the UK alone. 

What to Look Out For

The most common symptoms of testicular cancer is swelling or a pea-sized lump in one of the testes (balls). There is no current screening test therefore it is important that you look out for the following signs and symptoms. 

• A dull ache, or sharp pain in your testicles or scrotum which may come and go
• A feeling of heaviness in your scrotum
• A dull ache in your lower abdomen
• A sudden collection of fluid in your scrotum
• Fatigue and generally feeling unwell

Resources

NHS - Information on Testicular Cancer

BUPA- Testicular Cancer

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is a common problem in men, especially men over the age of 40. Please make an appointment with a GP if the problem persists for more than 1 month. Erectile dysfunction is treatable and can be a sign of an underlying problem such as low testosterone, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes. So please do NOT ignore it as these conditions can lead to other health problems if not treated.

AAA Screening

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. An AAA can be dangerous if not detected early. It can get bigger over time and could burst (rupture), causing life-threatening bleeding. Men aged 65 and over are most at risk of AAA’s. This is why men are invited for screening to check for an AAA when they are in their 65th year.  

More information about AAA Screening in Shropshire can be found on the hospital website https://www.sath.nhs.uk/wards-services/az-services/aaa-screening/

If you are a man over 65 and you haven’t been screened before, you can ask for a test by contacting your local AAA Screening team on 01743 261048 or by email sath.aaa@nhs.net.

Bowel Cancer Screening

The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme offers screening eveyr two years to all men and women aged 60 to 69. People in this age group will automatically be sent an invitation, then their screening kit, so they can do the test at home. After your first screening test, you will be sent another invitation and screening kit every two years until you reach 69. If you are aged 70 or over, you can request a screening kit by calling 08007076060.

Spirometry

If you have ever smoked for more than 20 years we recommend you have a spriometry test. Spirometry is a special breathing test to test your lungs. The test takes about 15 minutes, and is carried out by our Health Care Assistant. Please book an appointment if you have not had this test and have EVER smoked for 20 years or more. About 1 in 5 smokers develop a lung problem called COPD, and it is important to be diagnosed as early as possible. By the time a smoker develops symptoms of COPD often over 50% of lung function has already been permanently lost. 

NHS Health Check

NHS Health Checks are being offered free to people aged between 40 and 74 once every 5 years. The check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes. You will have a finger prick blood test to check your cholesterol and glucose level - the result is available immediately. You are able to eat and drink as normal before this test. 

You do not need an NHS Health Check if you are already on medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol. You do not need an NHS Health Check if you have any of the following conditions - heart attack, angina, stroke, or diabetes.

Contact reception now to check your eligiblity and book your appointment.