A cancer expert is urging people to ask their dads four specific but difficult questions this Father’s Day that could help lead to early prostate cancer diagnoses. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer facing men in the UK and Jeremy Clarkson recently opened up about his own diagnosis.
However, there is no national screening programme for the cancer. With men less likely to speak about their symptoms or see their GP when they’re feeling fine, oncologist Dr Jiri Kubes revealed four questions that could open the right conversations and prompt dad to go get checked if needed.
The medical director of the Proton Therapy Center in Prague said: “We know that men are often more reluctant to talk about their health. Sometimes this can lead to people burying their head in the sand and ignoring little niggles until they become a serious problem.
“It’s really important to have open conversations around health and encourage people to get ‘that little problem’ checked out.”
View 3 ImagesHaving open communication can erase some stigma and fear around symptoms(Image: GETTY)
People who have a close relative with prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. This includes having a father, brother, grandfather or uncle, according to Cancer Research UK.
Dr Kubes added: “Knowing your risk is really important as often prostate cancer comes without any symptoms in the early stages.
“If you have a family history or are worried about prostate cancer then you can speak to your GP about a PSA test which can measure the level of prostate specific antigen in the blood. The test is not perfect but it can detect abnormalities which is important in early detection.”
The earliest stages of prostate cancer often has no symptoms, and the first signs that start to appear usually affect peeing habits. But people might be ashamed to bring up these concerns.
Dr Kubes said: “If you’re finding you need to wee more frequently, or you’re getting up often during the night, you need to investigate the cause. You may also notice a hesitancy when you try to pee, or straining and taking a lot of time, as well as a weak flow.
“For some it feels like their bladder hasn’t been fully emptied. These symptoms do not mean you definitely have cancer, but they should be mentioned to a GP who can discuss your risk and assess whether you should have further tests.”
The expert urged: “If you notice blood in your urine even once, don’t wait for it to happen again. Once is enough to make an appointment with your GP. It could be nothing, but if it is something then a timely diagnosis can save your life.”
Article continues below
View 3 ImagesMany men find it difficult to talk about health issues (Image: GETTY)
Recent ONS data showed barely a third of men tried to contact their GP practive in the last 28 days. This was for issues regarding both themselves and other people in their household.
Dr Kubes said: “We know talking about personal health issues can be difficult for many men, but it is so important. We also know men can sometimes put off seeing their doctor. Having open conversations and asking these questions can give a gentle nudge in the right direction if it’s needed.”