Sufferer urges men to test for prostate cancer
Prostatecancer is a topic many men might try to shy away from.
But sufferer Roger Gambba-Jones, a South Holland district councillor, is hoping to break the silence on the condition, and encourage his peers to take a test for it as soon as possible.
Around 35,000 men are diagnosed with the condition, which affects a small gland in the male reproductive system, every year and 9,000 men die from it annually.
This form of cancer is the most common among men in England and Wales and tends to strike in the over-50s.
Coun Gambba-Jones (57) found out he was suffering from prostate cancer just before Easter. After tests with a consultant he is preparing for surgery next month.
His doctor told him of the need to have a blood test to check for prostate cancer while he was having an appointment for another health matter.
He said: "Most people don't want to talk about the issue and we need to urge men to act and find out at an early stage. I found out early, thanks to my doctor.
"Caught early it is just a speed bump on the road of life rather than a drive off the end of a cliff."
It is not known what causes prostate cancer to develop but medical experts say that it is unlike many other forms of cancer.
Many men will not have to undergo surgery because the condition tends to be slow growing and can take around 15 years to spread to any other parts of the body.
Most men who have prostate cancer will not die from it.
Coun Gambba-Jones took a blood test to measure his PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels, which revealed the need for surgery.
He remains philosophical about his condition and has been impressed by the short amount of time it has taken him to go from an initial test to imminent surgery.
He said: "I couldn't fault the system. It has worked very well, although I'm not saying I would recommend the physical examination to anybody. I actually call this the woman's revenge.
"We are getting a little bit of what they have to put up with in life because it is in that sort of area and requires that sort of inspection (transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy).
"But the initial check is no more than a blood test and if you are clear, that is that."
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
suddenly needing to urinate
pain during urination
frequently needing to urinate, particularly overnight
feeling that your bladder is not empty after urination
problems starting to urinate and
on rare occasions, blood in urine.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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