June 2010
Each year, over 37,000 men are diagnosed with testicular or prostate cancer with prostate cancer leading to over 10,000 deaths annually. Early detection and ready access to diagnostic facilities are helping to increase survival rates, but better awareness is needed in order to encourage men to actively seek help. Spire Little Aston Hospital is supporting Everyman Male Cancer Awareness Month in June by urging men to seek help, rather than suffer in silence.
Typically men are often coerced into going to the doctors by their partners with 80% of all GP appointments made by worried wives or partners who are often more aware of health issues. Treating cancer can be a race against time and prolonging diagnosis by not talking about it only harms the chance of a successful outcome.
Mr Ganta, Urology Consultant at Spire Little Aston, says “I had a 25-year-old patient who had a lump in his testicle. He saw his GP and was referred for an ultrasound scan, which showed he needed an urgent operation. The time from referral to operation was within two weeks, which is a very quick time scale, this meant he could be seen quickly and operated on immediately, which potentially saved his life.
“Testicular cancers are very common in young adults, but they can be diagnosed early by self examination of the testicles. Early detection really does help save lives and it is vitally important for men displaying any symptoms to contact their GP immediately.”
The Everyman Male Cancer Awareness Month not only aims to increase awareness among men as well as women about the symptoms of male cancers, but to also provide funding for vital research and treatments into these cancers. Improved hospital facilities are also contributing to more successful surgical outcomes.
Top tips for spotting the potential symptoms of male cancer include:
- Difficulties in passing urine
- Rushing to the toilet to pass urine
- Passing urine more frequently, especially at night
- Increased frequency of urination
- Pain, discomfort or a lump in the testicle or scrotum
- Burning sensation during urination
- A penile rash
- Blood in the semen or urine
- A dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen
These symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, but it’s best to have them checked out.