In the UK today, many men wait too long until they visit their doctor. It is important for men to start taking their health seriously. Nationally and locally, there is help, support and services to make that happen.
Bowel cancer screening
The NHS provides free bowel cancer screening to all men aged 60 to 75.
According to Cancer Research UK bowel cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death among men in the UK. It is advisable that men attend their bowel screening test when they receive their invitation on their 60th birthday and when invited every 2 years.
Cancer of the prostate
On the NHS website it states that prostate cancer is now the most common cancer affecting men in the UK. Each year, around 10,000 men die from prostate cancer each year in the UK.
It is important to be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer, which can include:
- a persistent need to urinate, particularly at night
- difficulties when starting to urinate
- straining to urinate and maintain flow
- taking a long time to urinate
- pain when urinating
- pain when ejaculating
Less common symptoms of prostate cancer are:
- pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis
- blood in the urine
There is no screening for prostate cancer and the condition develops slowly, over time. Because of this, there may be no symptoms of the condition for many years.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should visit your doctor, but, it is important to note that they are usually not a sign of cancer.
For more information about prostate cancer, you can visit:
- Prostate Cancer UK - the largest men’s health charity in the UK working to raise awareness, help more men survive and live better with prostate cancer
- Macmillan cancer support
Living with prostate cancer
If you are living with prostate cancer, support is available from the Solihull Prostate Cancer Support Group.