1. About 27,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the UK.
2. It is now the most common cancer in men, having overtaken lung cancer. Prostate cancer kills approx 10,000
men in the UK each year, which is approximately equal to 180 deaths per week, or one death every hour.
3. Over the next decade the incidence has been predicted to rise considerably. This is largely due to a likely
increase in numbers of cases diagnosed, through the greater use of PSA tests, and an ageing population.
4. The majority of men with prostate cancer are aged over 60 years.
5. There are numerous ways to screen for prostate cancer. These tests include the Digital Rectal Examination,
the PSA test and a Transrectal Needle Biopsy.
6. Many men diagnosed after a PSA screening test have cancers that are smaller and more easily treated.
7.
Both radiotherapy and surgery can result in impotence, although this is more common with surgery (50-80% of patients). Surgery
may cause incontinence whereas radiotherapy may cause side effects in the bowel.
8. Men with a family history of prostate cancer in a first degree relative are at two to three times increased risk of
developing the disease. Several prostate cancer genes have been mapped, and may be responsible for around 20% of familial
cases.
9. It has been suggested that selenium and vitamin E in the diet may protect against prostate cancer.
10. No screening test is 100% effective
