Download Prostate Cancer - Guildford and Waverley CCG

Prostate Cancer
What is the Prostate Gland
What is the prostate Gland
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Size of a chestnut
Just beneath the bladder
Urethra runs through its middle
Its main job is to produce fluid that enriches
sperm.
• Can grow bigger with age, or become
cancerous.
What is Cancer
• The human body is made up of millions of
cells.
• These cells grow in size and number
• Sometimes because of certain environmental
factors such as sunlight, smoking, toxic
chemicals, Alcohol, or just bad luck the cells
start to multiply out of control
• A tumour or mass develops, which causes
damage to the organ and surrounding tissue.
• Cancers can spread!
What is Prostate Cancer
• A cancer that develops from prostate gland
cells.
• Most common Cancer in Men in the UK.
• 35000 men in the UK are diagnosed every year
• 1/12 men in the UK will develop Prostate
cancer!
• Most commonly in men over the age of 65.
What are the risk Factors
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Ageing.
Family history and genetics.
Ethnic Group.
Diet.
Cadmium.
What are the Symptoms
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No symptoms.
Poor stream.
Hesitancy.
Dribbling
Frequency
Urgency
Poor emptying
Bloody urine
Bone pain
What Should I Do if I have these
symptoms
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Do not ignore the symptoms!
See your GP!
May be another less sinister illness.
Many older men have these symptoms.
Possibility of benign enlargement.
What will the GP Do?
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Take a thorough history of your symptoms.
Examine the prostate gland.
Order a PSA blood test if appropriate.
If sufficiently concerned will refer you to the
Urologists for a possible biopsy.
• Note: A positive PSA does not necessarily mean
you have cancer, and a negative test does not rule
it out. It is just an aid in the diagnostic journey.
Is there any treatment
• This depends on the severity and spread of the
cancer, as well as the general health of the
individual.
• Treatment options include;
Watchful waiting
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Hormonal therapy
Chemotherapy
Palliative Care
Prognosis: What is the outlook
• Very variable
• Some slow growing
• Some spread to other parts of the body and
affect life expectancy
• Response to treatment is also variable.
• If diagnosed, your specialist would be able to
give you a more accurate prognosis depending
on your particular situation.