“What on Earth is a prostate?!” A Q&A with a Specialist Nurse

Men’s health can be a minefield. Like many when it comes to their health, men have gaps in their knowledge and every one probably believes something that just isn’t true. 

Between misinformation and myths that circulate between family, friends, at work, in the pub and online, it can be hard for men to know what to believe, and even harder for them to know what to do about it when it comes to their own health.  

The reality is that the most common cancer in men - prostate cancer - starts in a place that half of men know next to nothing about. It’s time to change that. 

For Men’s Health Week and Father’s Day, Prostate Cancer UK are separating the fact from the fiction through the “What on Earth is a prostate?!” campaign, giving men the power to navigate this complex disease by sharing clear and accurate information to help men make better choices.  

So what are the myths and misinformation that need to be busted to save men’s lives? Let’s start at the beginning...  

What on Earth is a prostate?! 

The prostate is a small gland – about the size and shape of a walnut – that sits underneath your bladder. Its main job is to help make semen. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate start to grow in an uncontrolled way. Although some prostate cancers grow so slowly that they never cause any problems, some grow more quickly and need treatment to stop them spreading. 

Won’t I just be invited for a test? 

Unfortunately, we don’t currently have a screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK, so you won’t be invited for a test once you become higher risk. That’s why it’s so important to know your risk and speak to your GP if you have any concerns. 

Shouldn’t I just wait for symptoms then? I don’t want to bother my GP. 

If prostate cancer is caught early, there’s a good chance it can be cured. But most men with prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms until the cancer has already spread, which is why it’s still important not to wait to speak to your GP – even if you feel completely fine. 

Diagnosing cancer early is always a big priority for the NHS and they’ve even backed a national campaign asking men to come forward, so you should never be afraid to speak to them about your health.   

If you do notice any symptoms, such as changes in the way you pee, it’s a good idea to get checked out. While it may simply be a common problem like an infection, it could be a sign of prostate cancer. 

I’m really healthy and active – will that stop me from getting prostate cancer? 

Anyone can get prostate cancer, and as we’ve already covered - you’re unlikely to experience any symptoms until the cancer has already progressed and become incurable. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always a good idea, it’s more important to be aware of the risk factors - which are things you can’t change - like age, family history and ethnicity. 

Aren’t I too young for prostate cancer? 

Prostate cancer is often thought of as an ‘old man’s disease’, but while your risk of prostate cancer does increase as you get older, you’re considered at higher risk from the age of 50 – or 45 if you’re Black or have a history of prostate cancer in the family. 

I thought prostate cancer wasn’t very dangerous – is it worth worrying about? 

Over 12,000 men die from prostate cancer each year, and it is the most common cancer in men, so it’s definitely not something you can afford to just ignore.  

The good thing is that if it’s caught early enough it’s treatable, so it pays to learn more about your risk and what you can do about it. 

What will happen when I speak to my GP? Will I get a finger up the bum? 

There is no single test to diagnose prostate cancer, but the first step is usually the PSA blood test. If your PSA level is raised, you might be referred for other tests such as an MRI scan or biopsy. 

Some doctors will also offer a physical prostate examination, called a Digital Rectal Exam (or DRE), but it’s important to remember that you can still be checked for prostate cancer without this test and it’s your choice whether or not you have it done. 

If I do one thing, what should it be? 

Too many people know next to nothing about the most common cancer in men. So, if you only do one thing this Men’s Health Week, separate the fact from the fiction today and take Prostate Cancer UK’s online risk checker to understand your risk and what you can do about it. 

Check your risk today. It could save your life. 

Check your risk