With over 40,000 new cases diagnosed every year, it pays to be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place during the month of March, aims to raise awareness of this common cancer and the importance of its early detection. Organised by Prostate Cancer UK, the campaign seeks to help more men to survive prostate cancer and enjoy an improved quality of life.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer, as its name suggests, affects the prostate gland, which is located between the penis and the bladder. Researchers are still trying to determine the exact causes of prostate cancer. However, a number of factors are known to increase a man’s risk of developing the condition, including age, ethnicity and genetics.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer does not normally cause any symptoms until the cancer has grown large enough to affect the functioning of the urethra, the small tube that transports urine from the bladder to the penis. When the urethra is affected, symptoms can include:

• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination, especially during the night
• Feeling an urgent need to urinate
• Weak urine flow
• Painful urination

While the aforementioned symptoms can be indicative of prostate cancer, they can also result from a range of non-cancerous medical conditions. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, do not ignore them! Visit your doctor for a check-up.

How will my doctor diagnose, or rule out, prostate cancer?

There is no single, definitive diagnostic test for prostate cancer. However, your doctor may check your urine for infection, take a blood sample to measure your levels of prostate-specific antigen (a protein produced by the prostate gland) and/or examine your prostate.

Is prostate cancer treatable?

If diagnosed early, prostate cancer treatment can be quite successful. It is therefore essential to be aware of the symptoms and to see your doctor as early as possible if you have any concerns.

If you have prostate cancer, your doctor will use a simple grading system to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond your prostate gland. If you have early prostate cancer, you may decide to simply keep an eye on the cancer to ensure that it does not develop into a more serious form of the disease. If you require treatment, your doctor may suggest hormone medication to control the condition. In the event of hormone medication being ineffective or unsuitable, your doctor may recommend a range of other treatment options to control the cancer and improve your quality of life.

Travel insurance and Prostate Cancer

For those who have received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, obtaining travel insurance for a much deserved holiday can become difficult as many standard insurers refuse to provide cover.

Goodtogoinsurance.com is proud to be able to provide travel insurance for all types of cancer. Find out more about travel insurance and cancer >>