Dr. Stephen Allen, a hospital consultant with extensive medical training, recounted how he overlooked the subtle signs of prostate cancer in himself for two years, a delay that has had lasting consequences on his health and sexual function. Now 77 and cancer-free after treatment, Allen, who was 58 when he first noticed symptoms, wishes he had taken them more seriously.
He initially dismissed the increased frequency of nighttime urination and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying as common age-related prostate enlargement. This self-diagnosis led him to avoid discussing his symptoms with his doctor, a decision he deeply regrets. It was only after his symptoms worsened significantly that he sought medical advice, ultimately receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with over 64,000 diagnoses annually and more than 12,000 deaths each year. Early detection is crucial because the disease is most effectively treated before it spreads. Recent public awareness has been heightened by figures like Jeremy Clarkson, who announced an aggressive form of the disease, emphasizing the importance of early detection for a favorable prognosis.
Recognizing the Signs
The prostate gland's location, just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, means that early symptoms often involve urinary changes. These can include increased frequency of urination, sudden urges, difficulty starting urination (hesitancy), straining to urinate, a weak urine flow, and the sensation that the bladder is not fully empty. Sophie Smith, a senior specialist nurse at Prostate Cancer UK, advises men to consult their GP about any such symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include changes in urination patterns or pain in the back, hips, or pelvis.
Diagnosis typically begins with a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can indicate a problem. Further investigation may involve an MRI scan and, if abnormalities are found, a biopsy. While the NHS does not have a national screening program, men aged 50 and over can request a free PSA test. Men at higher risk, including those with a family history or of Black ethnicity, can be tested from age 45. Guidelines also suggest anyone experiencing symptoms should be offered a PSA test regardless of age.
Personal Experience and Advocacy
In Dr. Allen's case, his initial PSA test results were elevated but not high enough to trigger further investigation at the time. He admits that even as a doctor, he doubted he could have the disease, leading him to remain silent about his symptoms. The severity of his cancer necessitated a radical prostatectomy, the removal of the entire prostate gland. While the surgery was successful in removing the cancer, it resulted in significant incontinence and sexual dysfunction, which he has since managed with treatment and support.
Dr. Allen is now an advocate for prostate cancer awareness, working with organizations like Tackle Prostate Cancer to encourage men to discuss symptoms and seek medical help. He highlights the need for open conversations about the disease, noting that many men, like himself, may delay seeking help due to misconceptions or a reluctance to acknowledge potential health issues. He points to Jeremy Clarkson's openness as a positive step in encouraging dialogue around prostate cancer.
