Addenbrooke's Charitable Trust

David Neal, Professor of Surgical Oncology at Addenbrooke's reports: "Each year 34,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in this country and 2,100 with testicular cancer. 

Prostate cancer

Cancer of the prostate is the most common cancer in men in the UK ; it accounts for one quarter of all male cancer cases. The chances of getting prostate cancer increase with age. Men under the age of 50 are at a very low risk, but after this time, incidences of this extremely slow growing disease increase significantly. In its very early stages, prostate cancer can be difficult to detect. There are few definite signs of developing prostate cancer and the majority of men will be asymptomatic. In some cases increased frequency or difficulty in passing water and blood in the urine may occur and need to be investigated. Associated back pain may also be experienced at a more advanced stage of the disease. If these symptoms are apparent, it's important to contact a doctor to discuss the problem in more depth.

Testicular cancer

Generally speaking, testicular cancer affects younger men. However, in most cases, the disease can be managed and treated very successfully. The hallmark of this disease is the development of enlargement or an unusual sense of heaviness in the testicle. It is therefore very important that men examine themselves on a regular basis. Like prostate cancer, if these symptoms become apparent and provide any cause for concern, it's important to discuss the problem with your GP.

Detection and treatment

There is little doubt that early detection and treatment of prostate and testicular cancers can help save lives. In the last few years, there have been some significant advances, which have improved outcomes for patients with both conditions.

Detection rates in particular have got better through the use of specialist equipment including ultrasound machines. These enable medical professionals to assess the problem area, make informed decisions about whether swellings might be benign or malignant and where appropriate, take very carefully targeted biopsies that are much less invasive than traditional methods.

If caught soon enough, research has shown that not all prostate cancers will require radical surgery or radiotherapy. Some of the less aggressive types of this disease can be easily managed in a way that avoids the patient experiencing unpleasant treatment programmes. 

Find out more about the charity at www.act4addenbrookes.org.uk (Registered charity number 1048868)

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