Men aged 50 and above are advised to take proactive steps due to an increased susceptibility to prostate cancer, a condition that affects up to one in eight men but often exhibits no early symptoms and lacks a national screening program. In support of Movember, Dr. Sameer Sanghvi is raising awareness about the PSA test, a simple blood test that men over 50 can obtain for free from their general practitioner to assess their risk of prostate cancer.

Dr. Sanghvi emphasized that misconceptions surrounding prostate testing, such as the belief that it involves a digital rectal exam, are inaccurate. He highlighted that less invasive methods, such as blood tests and MRI scans, are used to screen for prostate cancer. Additionally, he reassured men that rectal examinations are quick and painless.

Individuals at higher risk, including those with a family history of prostate cancer or from Black ethnic groups, may be eligible for a free PSA test starting from the age of 45. Dr. Sanghvi, a GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, highlighted that prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in men in the UK, with 395,000 men currently living with the disease. He noted that one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, a figure that increases to one in four for Black men.

Although prostate cancer is common, survival rates are relatively high, with a ten-year survival rate of around 80%, significantly higher than many other commonly diagnosed cancers. Symptoms usually manifest when the prostate enlarges enough to affect urinary function, underscoring the importance of early testing for individuals with concerns.

Progression of prostate cancer can lead to changes in urination patterns, such as urgency, frequency, intermittent flow, or difficulty during urination. Other signs include difficulties with erections, blood in urine or semen, lower back pain, and unexplained weight loss. According to the NHS, these symptoms may indicate advanced prostate cancer.

The NHS also clarified that these symptoms do not always signify prostate cancer, as they can also occur in non-cancerous conditions like an enlarged prostate due to aging.