CampaignsHealthcare RationingCancer Screening & TreatmentPetition aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer Petition aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer
By Alan Taylor - 19/09/2007
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in men in the UK. Each year 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and 10,000 men die from the disease - one man every hour.
But public awareness of prostate cancer remains worryingly low. Despite the efforts of many charities committed to tackling prostate cancer, too many men do not even know where their prostate is or what it does, let alone how to spot potential symptoms of cancer or where to seek help. This is a serious mens’ health issue and unfortunately statistics and surveys show there is a need to do much more to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
Early detection of prostate cancer increases the range of treatments available and the chances of a cure. It is important for men of around the age of 45 to 50 onwards to know they are at risk of developing prostate cancer. Men and their families should not put off learning about the symptoms and risks of prostate cancer, because doing so now could save a life later.
We need to bring to the attention of the Government that efforts to increase awareness of prostate cancer need to be stepped up. You could help to do this by signing the Prime Minister’s E-Petition which you can find at the link at the end of this article. The aim of the petition is to increase awareness so men can learn about prostate cancer, understand the signs and symptoms and where they can turn for help or advice if they are worried. The petition closes on 13th November 2007.
The UK does not have a national screening programme for prostate cancer but the alternative for any man, especially those over the age of 50, who wishes assurance that he does not have a prostate problem is to have an NHS Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test.
The PSA test does not detect prostate cancer but it may pick up a prostate problem which may need to be investigated. Your doctor will explain the harms and benefits, risks and consequences of having a PSA test before you decide to have a test. Remember that something like 80% of prostate problems are not prostate cancer but a benign condition which can be treated.
To sign the petition go to the first website link below. For information about prostate cancer got to The Prostate Cancer Charity’s website, which is the second link below.