Prostate cancer should not be a silent issue

Published on Friday 11 September 2009 10:08

THE news that scientists in the US have discovered evidence that some prostate cancers could be linked to a virus is very interesting, and is likely to help towards further research into the causes of prostate cancer.

Despite the fact that prostate cancer is now the joint most common cancer in men in Scotland, and according to NHS Scotland predictions is likely to increase by some 35 per cent over the next ten years, its causes are not fully known.

In Scotland, between 2000 and 2007, there were some 6,250 deaths of men in Scotland from prostate cancer and more than 16,974 men diagnosed. This latest research may help to give some further leads for serious inquiry and is likely to be helpful to researchers here in Edinburgh, and across the world, as they continue to look for the cause of what is often called the "unspoken disease".

There is a real need to increase awareness in Scotland of prostate cancer and prostate disease, as nearly one man in 13 is likely to get prostate cancer and nearly one in two men over middle age is likely to be affected by prostate disease.

The earlier there is diagnosis the greater the chances of successful treatment. A recent survey for Prostate Scotland showed less than five per cent of people sampled were aware of how prevalent prostate disease is, despite nearly 40 per cent of people surveyed either knowing someone who is, or are themselves, affected by prostate disease.

Whilst work is undertaken on finding a fully satisfactory screening method, it's important that men become aware of the symptoms of prostate disease such as urinating difficulties and, where appropriate, seek medical advice. This is particularly important where there is a family history of prostate cancer, as there is an increased chance of developing it. A key step towards this will be to make a concerted national effort to make prostate cancer a topic as talked about as breast cancer has now become, and no longer an unspoken issue.

For further information, see www.prostatescotland.org.uk

&#149 Adam Gaines is the director of Prostate Scotland