More details of PC...

Prostate Cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men and numbers are rising each year. Men aged 40 onwards are at risk. www.hammersmithresearch.com.

How many?

30,000 men are diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in the UK every year. Prostate Cancer statistics show that 10,000 die from the disease, many not being diagnosed early enough.

Famous Sufferers...

Denis Law, Francois Mitterand (died 1996), Frank Zappa (died 1993)

Who's at risk?

Regular health checks are advised and request for a PSA test should be included. Ask you GP for details and look out for the advertised Awareness Weeks in the press and TV. www.prostate-cancer.co.uk

Have I got PC?

As there are often no signs or indications from self examination, middle aged men should ask their GP for a PSA blood test as part of their regular medical check-ups.

PSA Test

A Prostate Specific Antigen blood test will give the doctor a more positive indication of what, if any, other investigations are required.

PSA Test

www.prostate-cancer.org.uk
This appeal is made to raise awareness of this life treating disease.

Questions to Ask

Men are bound to respond in all kinds of ways to a diagnosis of prostate cancer. There is no right or wrong way to feel, or for those close to you to react. Feelings for everyone involved is inevitably shock, disbelief, fear and uncertainty, anger or resentment.

These can lead to feelings of withdrawal and isolation. Some men feel 'out of control' when first diagnosed.

Asking questions is one way of getting back in control. It may help to make a list of questions before meeting the consultant or your GP.

There are no rules about this. 'Take your time and do what feels right for you' is the best advice. Only you know your own circumstances.

Sometimes men prefer not to include their partners and families in discussions with their doctors in order to save them from unnecessary upset. However, this is rarely the effect. Often relatives become more worried by being excluded. Loved ones can be surprisingly strong on your behalf.

The following questions might form the basis of your list.

Can you tell me more about my cancer - its size, position, speed of growth?
Does the tumour remain within my prostate or might it have spread?
What treatments are available for me?
Which do you recommend and why?
Have I got to make a decision quickly?
What might be the side effects of the various treatments at my age?
Can I talk to another specialist about my cancer?
What advice should I give to my sons, brothers and other close relatives?
Tell me more about brachytherapy, its advantages, side effects and long term life expectancy. What is the success rate at this hospital?
When can I return back to work and what restrictions will there be to my life style and limitations within the family?
Will we be able to have more children?

The GPCT is anxious to provide a list of men who have received brachytherapy treatment and are willing to write about their lives before, during and after treatment.

A problem shared can often help in these circumstances.

Please click here to print this page.