Raising awareness of prostate and testicular cancer

Did you know men are more informed about breast cancer (that predominantly affects more women than men) than they do about “male-only” cancers? As is true for many cancerous cells, when caught in the early stages can, the chances of surviving are far greater. It is very clear that in the UK, there is room for increased awareness of male cancers - prostate and testicular. If you were to carry out a straw poll in the street, I’d say most people would guess that such cancers affect men of a certain age (middle-aged and older). Whilst this is the case for prostate cancer, nothing could be further from the truth for testicular cancer.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer to affect young men between 15-45 years old. Reported cases of testicular cancer have practically doubled in the last twenty years (UK based statistics). A very serious increase in diagnosed cases, that none of us can afford to ignore.

A recent survey conducted, revealed that only 28% of men regularly check their testicles for signs of testicular cancer. This cancer has over a 90% survival rate when caught in its early stages; therefore, more men need to be encouraged to carry out self-examinations on a regular basis.

The symptoms of Testicular Cancer are:

• a painless lump in the testicle

• a hardness/swelling or pain in the testicle

• pain in the scrotal sac

• a pulling sensation or feeling of unusual heaviness in the scrotum

• any enlargement of a testicle

• pain or discomfort (which may come and go) in the testicle or scrotum

• a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin

• a sudden collection of blood or fluid in the scrotum (called a hydrocele)

• blood passing from the penis or in the urine

• enlargement or tenderness in the breast area

• any change in the way a testicle feels

• a change in the way a testicle looks (it is quite natural for one testicle to be larger than the other, and also for them to hang at different levels)

Normally testicular cancer affects only one of the testicles; it is very rare that both will be affected at the same time. There are other conditions that could cause one or more of these symptoms, i.e.: a cyst, a swollen blood vessel, or a hernia. If you experience one of more of these symptoms, it may not necessarily be a positive sign of testicular cancer. If symptoms persist please consult your GP for a correct diagnosis.

This cancer has been found to runs in families, if your brother or father has been diagnosed, you will have an increased risk of suffering yourself, therefore it is imperative you get to know the early signs of testicular tumours, and take action immediately.

If you are diagnosed as having testicular cancer, you’ll be encouraged to know that it is almost always curable. Lance Armstrong had testicular cancer, and post treatment went on to dominate the “Tour de France”, winning 7 consecutive titles (1999-2005), until he retired from the sport.

Prostate cancer

Prostate Cancer kills one man every hour; one man in 20 is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Usually, it occurs in men in their 50’s and over, it is rare for men under that age to be diagnosed with it. Prostate cancer has now become the most common cancer in men in the UK, overtaking lung cancer.

The symptoms of Prostate Cancer are varied

Normally, in its early stages, prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms. But when they do occur, they may include some or more of the following problems:

• Difficulty in urinating

• Delays in urinating

• Stopping and starting urinating

• Dribbling of urine before and/or after urinating

• A feeling that your bladder is not completely empty

• A weak stream of urine

• Burning sensation during urination

• Urinating more often than usual

• Blood in the urine or semen

• Pain when you orgasm

• Pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs

If you experience one of more of these symptoms, if may not necessarily be a positive sign of prostate cancer. There are other conditions that could cause one or more of these symptoms: i.e. Prostatitis (an inflammation of the prostate) or a prostate infection. If symptoms persist please consult your GP for a correct diagnosis.

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer take heart from the fact that it sits amongst the most curable of cancers; the majority of men who are diagnosed with it, survive. However, as it affects so many men greater awareness, not just from those “at risk”, but also their close family members, this could help save even more lives.

Additionally, there are dietary changes that men can undertake in order to reduce their risk, eliminate animal fats from your diet and extensive research shows that those men whose diet included substantial amounts of tomatoes and tomato based products (which contain lypocene, a powerful antioxidant) had a 35% lower chance of developing prostate cancer.

For more general men's health issues please visit: therapyonthewharf.