Prostate Test Kit FAQ’s
Prostate problems will affect ninety percent of all
men and in all too many cases the problem will be that of prostate
cancer. But just what is the prostate gland and what does it mean to be
diagnosed with prostate cancer? Here we look at the ten questions which
are most often asked by men who encounter prostate problems.
1. What is the prostate gland and what does it do?
The prostate gland is situated between the bladder and the rectum. It
partly surrounds the urethra which carries urine from the bladder out of
the body. It also forms part of the male reproductive system, making and
storing fluid which forms part of a man's semen. The prostate gland is
about the size of a walnut in an adult.
2. What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer which tends to be slow growing.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the UK.
Every year in the UK 35,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. One
man dies every hour of prostate cancer in the UK.
3. Who is likely to contract prostate cancer?
Men in general are at risk of contracting prostate cancer with the risk
of contracting the disease increasing with age. African Caribbean men
are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men.
4. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In the early stages of the disease there are normally few if any
symptoms. It is possible to suffer from prostate cancer for many years
without even knowing it. When symptoms do start to appear they are
likely to include such things as difficulty in urinating, the need for
frequent urination (especially at night), a poor flow or urine which
tends to stop and start, painful urination, blood in the urine or semen,
pain when ejaculating and pain in the lower back, hips or upper part of
the thighs.
5. Are there other conditions which can mask the presence of prostate
cancer?
Many older men suffer from an enlarged prostate which places pressure on
both the bladder and the urethra. This interferes with the flow of urine
and with sexual function, producing many of the same symptoms that are
seen in prostate cancer. This condition is not however cancer. It is a
benign condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.
It is also quite common for the prostate gland to become infected and
inflamed and producing similar symptoms. This is also benign condition
known as prostatitis.
6. Is it possible to be screened for prostate cancer?
Yes, although current screening is not foolproof. The two most commonly
used screening test will indicate the possibility of a developing
problem. It may or may not indicate cancer and will point to the need
for further more specific testing.
The tests currently in use are the digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a
doctor carries out an investigation of the prostate gland by feeling it
with a gloved finger inserted through the rectum. Alternatively a blood
test may used to detect the presence of a substance which is known as
prostate specific antigen (PSA) and which is made by the prostate gland.
Our home test kit tests for this.
7. How reliable are present screening methods?
None of the current screening tests are foolproof and all can easily
miss prostate cancers. However, the tests used together can produce
quite reasonable results and are certainly preferable to not screening
for the condition at all. Research is currently underway to find a more
accurate method of screening.
8. How is a diagnosis of prostate cancer made?
There is really only one way to confirm the presence of prostate cancer.
This is by carrying out a prostate biopsy. This involves removing a
number of small samples of tissue. These are then examined under a
microscope in the laboratory.
9. How is prostate cancer treated?
If prostate cancer is localized (i.e. confined only to the prostate
gland) there are at present three main forms of treatment available.
One option is to do nothing and to simply watch and wait. If this seems
an odd course of action it should be borne in mind as long as the cancer
remains within the prostate gland and is slow growing, the best option
for an elderly patient might well be to do nothing at
all.
Where active treatment is carried out this will often be to either treat
the prostate gland with radiation to kill the cancer cells or to simply
remove the prostate gland surgically.
In cases where cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland, there
are a wide range of treatment options available depending on the degree
of spread.
10. What is the best treatment for localized prostate cancer?
In the majority of cases prostate cancer is slow growing and there is
usually no need to rush into a treatment plan. This gives patients time
to discuss their condition with their doctor, including taking a second
or even third opinion if they wish, and also to discuss matters with
their partner and family before making any decision.
Prostate Test Kit