Prostate

Are certain people more at risk for prostate cancer than others?
Yes. Older men, black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer are more at risk than others

How often should I have myself tested?
Men over the age of 50 should go for annual prostate checks. And so should black men and other men over 40 who have a family history of prostate cancer.

What does the test consist of?
A testing of the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels and a digital rectal examination.

What treatment is there for prostate cancer?
It depends on how far the cancer has progressed. If the cancer is localised to the prostate gland, then it is curable by radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy. Hormonal treatment or so-called 'watchful waiting' are also options.

How many men develop prostate cancer?
Roughly one in ten men will develop prostate cancer. The older a man gets, the more likely he is to develop prostate cancer.

How will I know if I have prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer in its early stages has no symptoms. Regular testing is the only way to make sure your prostate is healthy.

What is the prostate and what is its function?
The prostate gland is more or less the size of a walnut and is situated behind the pubic bone in front of the rectum.