Prostate cancer: what should I know?
We think men are worth saving. If you're reading this, you probably agree.
But how much do you know about prostate cancer? What steps can you take to help save men's lives? Take the quiz below to shed light on this poorly-understood disease.
You can also find out your risk of prostate cancer in 30 seconds with our risk checker.
1:"You can protect yourself by knowing the symptoms."
False.
Urinary problems can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it often has no symptoms at all in its early, most treatable stages. And you can't check yourself for lumps like with some other common cancers – so just being vigilant is no guarantee. (Although you should definitely visit your GP if you notice changes in your urinary habits.)
To catch more men's cancer early, we need a national screening programme where everyone at risk is invited for testing. We are investing millions in research funding to develop tests reliable enough to screen men. March with us or donate today and help us fund research that could save thousands of lives.
2: "You'll be invited for a test when you need one."
Probably not.
GPs will sometimes suggest testing if they know a man is at higher risk (for example, if they're black or have a family history of prostate cancer). But unlike bowel, breast or cervical cancer, there is no national screening programme that invites all men for prostate cancer testing when they reach a certain age.
So, 2 in 10 cases of prostate cancer aren't diagnosed until after the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, at which point it can no longer be cured.
Men need a national screening programme where everyone at risk is invited for testing, just like for other common cancers. We're investing millions in research funding to develop tests reliable enough to screen men. You can join with us and help us fund research that could save thousands of lives.
3: "Prostate cancer is slow-growing and easily treatable."
Sometimes. Other times, prostate cancer spreads quickly and can kill. And it's hard to predict what a man's cancer will do.
Because experts can't always tell if a man's cancer will be aggressive, many men who are diagnosed face a difficult choice: a treatment that might not be needed and could leave them with life-changing side effects, or to watch and wait and hope the cancer doesn't spread and need treatment. And men often have to make a choice between other treatments, which each have different pros and cons.
Our Specialist Nurses support men facing tough treatment decisions, and we produce award-winning health information to help them navigate complex medical issues.
You can help us be there for men when they need support by volunteering, donating, or marching with us.