Introduction
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, affecting approximately one in eight Brits at some point in their lifetime. But many won't experience symptoms from the disease until it's quite far along. The earlier you catch it, the more likely it is to be cured. Asking yourself three questions can help predict your risk of getting prostate cancer.
Question 1: How old are you?
Prostate cancer mainly affects men aged 50 and over, and your risk increases as you get older, according to Prostate Cancer UK. The most common age for men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer is between 70 and 74 years.
Question 2: Do I have a family history of prostate cancer?
If your father or brother had prostate cancer, that might mean your risk is higher too. You are two and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer if your father or brother has had it, compared to a man who has no relatives with prostate cancer. Your chances are even greater if your relative got the disease when they were under 60. It's not just male relatives you have to keep in mind though. You might also have a higher chance of getting the cancer if your mum or sister developed breast or ovarian cancer, the charity said. It advised you check in with your GP if you're over 45 and your father or brother has had prostate cancer.
Question 3: Am I Black or mixed race?
Though it's not clear why yet, black men are more likely to get prostate cancer than other men. In the UK, about 1 in 4 Black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. You're also at risk if you have mixed Black ethnicity, it added. It's worth taking Prostate Cancer UK's quiz to determine your own risk of getting the disease – it'll take 30 seconds and will tell you if you need to speak to a GP.
Signs You Should Never Ignore
According to the NHS, some signs of prostate cancer may include: needing to pee more frequently, often during the night; needing to rush to the toilet; difficulty in starting to pee; straining or taking a long time while peeing; weak flow; feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully; blood in urine or blood in semen. If you have these symptoms, it doesn't mean you have the disease – but you should get them checked out.
Conclusion
It's important to be aware of your risk factors for prostate cancer. By asking yourself three simple questions and paying attention to any concerning symptoms, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and catch the disease early if necessary. Remember, early detection can save lives.
