Alarming new figures from Macmillan Cancer Support reveal that a man in the UK receives a prostate cancer diagnosis every eight minutes. The disease will affect one in eight men during their lifetime.
Amy Rylance, director of health services, equity and improvement at Prostate Cancer UK, described the data as deeply concerning.
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She said: “These shocking statistics from Macmillan Cancer Support highlight the importance of raising awareness and busting common myths that still persist around the disease.”
The charity is urging men not to wait for warning signs before considering their risk. During its earlier and more treatable stages, prostate cancer frequently presents no symptoms whatsoever.
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One of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding the disease is that a rectal examination is required for diagnosis.
Rylance was keen to dispel this notion. She said: “Another very common myth is that you need a rectal exam by your doctor to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“In fact, the best test for prostate cancer is a PSA blood test you can get free from your GP.”
This straightforward blood test is available at no cost through general practice surgeries across the country.
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The accessibility of PSA testing means there is little reason for men to delay seeking clarity about their prostate health.
Certain groups face a heightened likelihood of developing the disease. Men aged over 50, Black men from the age of 45, and those who have relatives who have been diagnosed all fall into elevated risk categories.
Rylance encouraged men to take proactive steps to understand where they stand.
She said: “You can find out more about your risk and what you can do about it by taking Prostate Cancer UK’s 30-second online Risk Checker.”
The tool takes barely half a minute to complete and could prove instrumental in prompting earlier conversations with a GP.
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