According to a GP, there are key symptoms that may signify you need to speak to your GP – especially as early diagnosis brings the best prognosis. Here’s all you need to know
Prostate cancer – stealthy and symptomless in its early stages – is a concern for men.
Experts say red flags for the life-threatening illness lie hidden in everyday bathroom habits. Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy cautions that familiarity with these signs can mean a world of difference, as early spots often lead to the best outcomes.
She said: “The best outcome occurs in men who were diagnosed with early prostate cancer. In England, four in 10 men are diagnosed when their prostate cancer is at an advanced stage.” Struggling to pee? Dr Lee flags this as a cue to speak to your GP.
As the cancer advances, more ominous signs may surface. Currently, the UK lacks a formal screening programme for prostate cancer. However, hope isn’t lost as Prostate Cancer UK and officials have kickstarted ‘TRANSFORM’, a £42million trial set to revolutionise early detection and save the lives of thousands of men annually.
On their website, they shared: “Led and developed by us, and backed by £16 million of Government funding, the trial will involve hundreds of thousands of men – making it the biggest prostate cancer diagnosis trial in 20 years.”
They added: “The trial will compare the most promising tests and provide definitive evidence for the best way to screen for prostate cancer so that, in future, all men at risk will be invited for regular tests that can find the disease as early as possible.”
Currently, all men over 50 are entitled to a free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, but it requires them to proactively make an appointment with their GP. This groundbreaking trial could revolutionise how prostate cancer is diagnosed. If you’re worried about prostate cancer, don’t delay – get in touch with your GP as soon as possible.
