In the medical negligence team at JMW we frequently work on behalf of patients affected by different types of cancer, and their families, and see the devastation it causes.

Our aim is to find answers for these families where they have concerns about their treatment, and to give them the means to cope with the financial fallout if they have suffered a misdiagnosis. We are also keen to raise awareness of the key signs of cancer so that more patients can receive medical attention for any symptoms and hopefully improve their outlook.

Today marks the start of “Movember”, which means talking about and raising awareness of men’s health issues including prostate cancer. It, therefore, feels fitting to kick the month off by talking about Sir Chris Hoy.

Last month Sir Chris, the second most decorated Olympic cyclist of all time, revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Sadly, Sir Chris has revealed that his cancer was diagnosed too late for him to undergo curative treatment.

Sir Chris’ decision to speak openly and candidly about his terminal diagnosis was positively received, and he described being “blown away” by an eight fold increase in searches for prostate cancer since sharing the news.

So, in the spirit of Movember, let’s continue what Sir Chris has started and raise further awareness about the most common cancer in men. Let’s talk about the prostate, the signs of a potential problem, and what you should do about it.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a small gland located between the penis and the bladder, and a crucial part of the male reproductive system.

Isn’t prostate enlargement a normal part of ageing?

In short, no.

People often incorrectly assume that prostate cancer is a disease which only affects older men. Sir Chris’ diagnosis at such a young age (48) proves that cancer doesn’t discriminate. It is incredibly important for men of all ages to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the condition, and to seek medical advice if they have any concerns.

Getting older can lead to enlargement of the prostate without there being any particular underlying health issues. However, it’s important to recognise that cancer can also cause enlargement.

It is for this reason that if you have any symptoms of prostate enlargement then you should speak to your GP, so that they can arrange some tests to determine the reason for the increase in size.

For most men, the cause of an enlarged prostate is likely to be benign. However, you can’t be certain and rule out a malignant cause such as cancer without obtaining medical advice.

What are the symptoms of prostate enlargement?

In the early stages, prostate enlargement doesn’t tend to cause any symptoms. However, as it gets bigger, it reaches a point where it starts to put pressure on the bladder. This can lead to problems such as:

• Difficulty urinating
• Straining when passing urine
• A weak flow
• Needing to go to the toilet more often, including during the night
• Leaking

If the cause of prostate enlargement is cancer, you might also:

• Find blood in your urine and/or semen
• Have problems getting and maintaining an erection
• Feel pain during sex
• Feel general discomfort in your pelvis

However, these symptoms are not always present, particularly not in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, it’s important that if you have any of the above symptoms of general prostate enlargement, you should err on the side of caution and speak to your GP.

In many cases, the sooner that cancer is caught, the better the outcome. Early detection and treatment are often crucial.