More men than ever are getting scanned and tested, which has also lowered the average age of diagnosis.
‘Raised awareness has been important in increasing the number of men who are being diagnosed. Anyone who has symptoms should see a GP as soon as possible to get checked,’ said urological surgeon Owen Cole, who is also a council member of local charity Male Uprising Guernsey.
It was recently revealed that prostate cancer had become the most commonly diagnosed cancer nationwide.
Prostate Cancer UK found that prostate cancer diagnoses surpassed breast cancer diagnoses in 2022. There were 64,425 diagnoses of prostate cancer and 61,640 new cases of breast cancer.
First Contact Health, which screens for prostate cancer, said there had been an increase in men taking action to try to maintain good health.
‘It’s fantastic to see more men taking proactive steps to ensure good health, especially considering prostate cancer often develops without symptoms in the early stages,’ said its medical director, Dr Ranjan Vhadra. ‘After introducing our prostate package, which includes an MRI scan, we’ve seen a huge uptake in men getting checked at First Contact Health.
‘That said, we must continue to build awareness, and it’s important for all men to know whether they are part of a high-risk category when it comes to developing prostate cancer.’
Dr Vhadra said it was vital to take steps to catch prostate cancer as early as possible, as symptoms often develop later in the disease, by which time the cancer may have already progressed.
‘Catching prostate cancer early is key. By the time signs such as urinary difficulties or pelvic pain appear, the cancer may have already progressed. This is why it’s so important to take preventative screening seriously if you’re in a high-risk category.’
Greater awareness of the disease, and more knowledge of friends or relatives who have been diagnosed and treated, has helped to lower the fear and concern about getting checked.
‘One thing that often stops men from getting checked is their fear of a rectal examination which, given most check-ups no longer use this technique, is unfounded,’ said Dr Vhadra.
‘The First Contact Health prostate screening is done using an MRI scanner, and the scan itself is non-invasive, quick and comfortable.
‘On the day, our team will talk you through the process to ensure you’re completely comfortable before the scan takes place.’