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Tag: Prostate Cancer

All the latest breaking news on Prostate Cancer. Browse THEGAYUK’s complete collection of news, articles and commentary on Prostate Cancer.

  • 12 things you need to know about Prostate Cancer

    12 things you need to know about Prostate Cancer

    We speak with Dr Simon Rosser and Dr Bill West, editors of Gay & Bisexual Men Living With Prostate Cancer, about the 12 things that we need to be aware of when it comes to Prostate Cancer.

    1. How common is prostate cancer in our community?

    Prostate cancer is the #1 invasive cancer for men and the most common cancer in the gay male community. One in seven gay men will be diagnosed in their lifetimes. Since gay male couples have two prostates, they have twice the risk than heterosexual couples or a one-in-three chance.

    2. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

    (C) BIGSTOCK

    Prostate cancer typically develops without symptoms which is why it needs to be detected through a blood test (the Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA test) and by a doctor feeling for any abnormalities during a digital rectal (or finger up the butt) exam.

    Two common prostate problems should not be confused with prostate cancer. As we age, our prostates typically get larger which can lead to problems urinating. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Prostatitis refers to when the prostate gets infected or inflamed.

    3. So, what causes prostate cancer?

    Older men, men with a family history of prostate cancer, and black men are at greater risk of diagnosis and/or worse outcomes. Our research indicates that HIV positive men and bisexual-identified men have worse outcomes than HIV negative men and gay-identified men, respectively. Gay “lifestyle” factors – such as being gay versus straight, lots of sex or no sex, amount and rigour of receptive anal sex, smoking, drug and alcohol use, a history of sexually transmitted diseases and long-distance cycling – have not been associated with greater risk or worse outcomes.

    4. Why is prostate cancer in gay men an issue?

    Different prostate cancer treatments have different effects on our sexual functioning. About 20 per cent of patients treated with radiation experience radiated bowel, which makes receptive anal sex painful to impossible. Conversely, almost all men treated with surgery (and many with radiation as well) will have erection difficulties, after treatment, making bottoming very challenging. Treatment can also effect penis size, ability to ejaculate, the experience of orgasm, pleasure in receptive sex, and urinary problems during sex or at orgasm.

    This makes it important to discuss gay sex with your specialist as part of choosing which treatment will have the least side effects for you.

    5. If I want to be checked for prostate cancer, what should I know?

    The typical test for prostate cancer involves both a blood test and a digital rectal exam. Because massage of the prostate may hypothetically affect the blood results, we recommend you refrain from receptive anal sex or other anal stimulation for 48 hours before the blood is drawn and make sure the blood is drawn before the digital exam.

    6. Does being diagnosed mean you have to be treated?

    No. Many men with low-risk prostate cancer never need treatment. Instead, they go on active surveillance. This simply involves having a blood test every three months to monitor the amount of prostate-specific antigen in their blood. This may also involve additional biopsies to track if the cancer is changing.

    7. Is prostate cancer contagious?

    No, if your boyfriend, husband or a male sex partner has prostate cancer, you cannot get it from him. Prostate cancer is not sexually transmitted.

    8. What’s it like to be diagnosed with prostate cancer?

    Fortunately, prostate cancer has an excellent (over 99%) survival rate provided it is treated early. We are a male couple where both of us have been diagnosed. Here’s what to expect. The initial diagnosis can be scary and requires a biopsy which can be uncomfortable. Don’t panic. Most prostate cancer is slow-growing so in many cases, you can go at your own pace. Gay men are more likely to feel isolated or go through treatment alone, so it’s important to reach out for support. Prepare a list of questions before each consultation and ask them at your next visit. Bring your man (if partnered) or a friend (if single) to the consultation, both for support and to listen to what the specialist says. Deciding if you need treatment and what treatment is best for you are critical milestones, where many patients seek a second (or third) opinion.

    9. How does it affect being gay?

    Because it’s cancer and because it affects our sexual functioning, many gay prostate cancer patients report feeling less than other gay men. There’s a stigma to having prostate cancer which can affect our sexual self-esteem, sense of attractiveness and potency. And because it affects erections, some men may become more at risk for HIV if their erections are not strong enough for condoms or if they decide to bottom more instead.

    10. What’s gay sex like after treatment?

    Everyone is different. In our experience, good sex is definitely possible after treatment but it is challenging. It takes time and patience (up to two years post-treatment), commitment to sex as a priority, good communication between partners, lots of sexual rehabilitation exercises, and flexibility. The biggest loss we had to deal with was spontaneity – erections don’t just happen, and we have to plan sex if it is to be successful. We found erectile drugs and vacuum pumps to be a help as well.

    11. What should I think about in choosing a specialist?

    Know that many urologists and oncologists see themselves as technologists focused on survival. Not all are good at talking to patients or discussing sex. While survival is obviously important, quality of life is as well. Most gay and bisexual men are sexually active and want to remain so after treatment. So, it’s critical to find a specialist you can be open with, and have your questions answered. When making an appointment, ask for a specialist who is comfortable discussing the sexual effects of treatment. And if they seem uncomfortable or unknowledgeable about sex between men, seek a second or third opinion until you find someone you can trust.

    12. If I’m gay, bisexual or a man who has sex with men living with prostate cancer, where can I get help?

    For more information: See our just published book, J. M. Ussher, J. Perz, B. R. S. Rosser, Gay and Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer: From Diagnosis to Recovery (Harrington Part Press, New York 2018).
    For support services: Malecare.org is the largest provider of online support worldwide and has groups specifically for gay and bisexual prostate cancer patients.

    To get involved in research: At the University of Minnesota, we are conducting the first, large, NIH-funded study testing online rehabilitation designed by and for gay and bisexual prostate cancer patients living in the US. See: www.restorestudy.umn.edu or email: Restorestudy@umn.edu.

    Dr Simon Rosser is a gay men’s health researcher and Dr Bill West a health communication specialist at the University of Minnesota. They specialize in prostate cancer in gay and bisexual men. They co-authored several chapters in J. M. Ussher, J. Perz, B. R. S. Rosser, Gay and Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer: From Diagnosis to Recovery (Harrington Park Press, NY, 2018). They are married and out as a gay couple living with prostate cancer.

  • 12 Things Every Gay/Bisexual Man should Know about Prostate Cancer

    12 Things Every Gay/Bisexual Man should Know about Prostate Cancer

    For gay and bisexual men, prostate cancer, in particular, can be even more challenging than for their straight counterparts. “Gay & Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer (from Diagnosis to Recovery)” is a new book that addresses bias against and the unique needs of gay and bisexual men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

    FILE PHOTO (C) BIGSTOCK

    by B. R. Simon Rosser and William West

    Edited by Jane M. Ussher, Janette Perz B.R., and Simon Rosser “Gay & Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer” was written not only for the medical community treating gay and bi men with prostate cancer but also as a supportive resource for gay and bi men diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is the most current and comprehensive book on the subject published to date, incorporating the tremendous new developments in cancer treatment from the past ten years.

    Here, Dr Simon Rosser and Dr Bill West, coauthors of several chapters in “Gay & Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer,” answer 12 questions and offer advice to gay and bi men facing prostate cancer. Simon and Bill are married, out and living with prostate cancer.

    1. How common is prostate cancer in our community? Prostate cancer is the #1 invasive cancer for men and the most common cancer in the gay male community. One in seven gay men will be diagnosed in their lifetimes. Since gay male couples have two prostates, they have twice the risk than heterosexual couples or a one-in-three chance.

    2. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Prostate cancer typically develops without symptoms which is why it needs to be detected through a blood test (the Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA test) and by a doctor feeling for any abnormalities during a digital rectal (or finger up the butt) exam. Two common prostate problems should not be confused with prostate cancer. As we age, our prostates typically get larger which can lead to problems urinating. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Prostatitis refers to when the prostate gets infected or inflamed.

    3. So, what causes prostate cancer? Older men, men with a family history of prostate cancer, and black men are at greater risk of diagnosis and/or worse outcomes. Our research indicates that HIV positive men and bisexual-identified men have worse outcomes than HIV negative men and gay-identified men, respectively. Gay “lifestyle” factors – such as being gay versus straight, lots of sex or no sex, amount and rigour of receptive anal sex, smoking, drug and alcohol use, a history of sexually transmitted diseases and long-distance cycling – have not been associated with greater risk or worse outcomes.

    4. So, why is prostate cancer in gay men an issue? Different prostate cancer treatments have different effects on our sexual functioning. About 20 per cent of patients treated with radiation experience radiated bowel, which makes receptive anal sex painful to impossible. Conversely, almost all men treated with surgery (and many with radiation as well) will have erection difficulties, after treatment, making insertive sex very challenging. Treatment can also affect penis size, ability to ejaculate, the experience of orgasm, pleasure in receptive sex, and urinary problems during sex or at orgasm. This makes it important to discuss gay sex with your specialist as part of choosing which treatment will have the least side effects for you.

    5. If I want to be checked for prostate cancer, what should I know? The typical test for prostate cancer involves both a blood test and a digital rectal exam. Because massage of the prostate may hypothetically affect the blood results, we recommend you refrain from receptive anal sex or other anal stimulation for 48 hours before the blood is drawn and make sure the blood is drawn before the digital exam.

    6. Does being diagnosed mean you have to be treated? No. Many men with low-risk prostate cancer never need treatment. Instead, they go on active surveillance. This simply involves having a blood test every three months to monitor the amount of prostate-specific antigen in their blood. This may also involve additional biopsies to track if the cancer is changing.

    7. Is prostate cancer contagious? No, if your boyfriend, husband or a male sex partner has prostate cancer, you cannot get it from him. Prostate cancer is not sexually transmitted.

    8. What’s it like to be diagnosed with prostate cancer? Fortunately, prostate cancer has an excellent (over 99%) survival rate provided it is treated early. We are a male couple where both of us have been diagnosed. Here’s what to expect. The initial diagnosis can be scary and requires a biopsy which can be uncomfortable. Don’t panic. Most prostate cancer is slow growing so in many cases you can go at your own pace. Gay men are more likely to feel isolated or go through treatment alone, so it’s important to reach out for support. Prepare a list of questions before each consultation and ask them at your next visit. Bring your man (if partnered) or a friend (if single) to the consultation, both for support and to listen to what the specialist says. Deciding if you need treatment and what treatment is best for you are critical milestones, where many patients seek a second (or third) opinion.

    9. How does it affect being gay? Because it’s cancer and because it affects our sexual functioning, many gay prostate cancer patients report feeling less than other gay men. There’s a stigma to having prostate cancer which can affect our sexual self-esteem, sense of attractiveness and potency. And because it affects erections, some men may become more at risk for HIV if their erections are not strong enough for condoms or if they decide to bottom more instead.

    10. What’s gay sex like after treatment? Everyone is different. In our experience, good sex is definitely possible after treatment but it is challenging. It takes time and patience (up to two years post-treatment), commitment to sex as a priority, good communication between partners, lots of sexual rehabilitation exercises, and flexibility. The biggest loss we had to deal with was spontaneity – erections don’t just happen, and we have to plan sex if it is to be successful. We found erectile drugs and vacuum pumps to be a help as well.

    11. What should I think about in choosing a specialist? Know that many urologists and oncologists see themselves as technologists focused on survival. Not all are good at talking to patients or discussing sex. While survival is obviously important, quality of life is as well. Most gay and bisexual men are sexually active and want to remain so after treatment. So, it’s critical to find a specialist you can be open with, and have your questions answered. When making an appointment, ask for a specialist who is comfortable discussing the sexual effects of treatment. And if they seem uncomfortable or unknowledgeable about sex between men, seek a second or third opinion until you find someone you can trust.

    12. If I’m gay, bisexual or a man who has sex with men living with prostate cancer, where can I get help?
    For more information: See our just-published book, J. M. Ussher, J. Perz, B. R. S. Rosser, Gay and Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer: From Diagnosis to Recovery (Harrington Part Press, New York 2018).

    Book webpage: https://harringtonparkpress.com/gay-bisexual-men-living-prostate-cancer/

    For support services: www.Malecare.org is the largest provider of online support worldwide and has groups specifically for gay and bisexual prostate cancer patients.
    To get involved in research: At the University of Minnesota, we are conducting the first, large, NIH-funded study testing online rehabilitation designed by and for gay and bisexual prostate cancer patients living in the US.

    See: www.restorestudy.umn.edu or email: Restorestudy@umn.edu.

    Dr Simon Rosser is a gay men’s health researcher and Dr Bill West a health communication specialist at the University of Minnesota. They specialize in prostate cancer in gay and bisexual men.

    They co-authored several chapters in J. M. Ussher, J. Perz, B. R. S. Rosser, Gay and Bisexual Men Living with Prostate Cancer: From Diagnosis to Recovery (Harrington Park Press, NY, 2018).

    They are married and out as a gay couple living with prostate cancer.

  • Prostate Cancer: Researchers are reinventing the PSA test using nanotechnology

    Prostate Cancer: Researchers are reinventing the PSA test using nanotechnology

    The current test for Prostate Cancer is known to be unreliable, so researchers are using nanotech to make detection “much more accurate”.

    marijana1 / Pixabay

    According to charity Prostate Cancer UK the current PSA test, a blood test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigens in the blood, can be inaccurate, which is concerning when nearly 12,000 men (and trans women who have a prostate) a year die from prostate cancer.

    It can, according to the charity, give false readings and miss some cancer signs.

    But Professor Paula Mendes’ research has identified over 50 forms of PSA, all with the same protein but with different sugars attached to it.

    Importantly, different types of sugars are linked to different problems with the prostate, including cancer.

    “The current test for prostate cancer scans the body for all types of PSAs, but we now know that only four of these forms of PSA are linked to prostate cancer,” she explains.

    However nanoparticles can detect the right type of PSA.

    jarmoluk / Pixabay

    According to Prostate Cancer UK, Mendes’ plan is to take advantage of this, and create a test where the type of PSA, rather than the amount, is detected. It uses tiny, coloured nanoparticles, which contain a ‘pocket’ that specifically binds the PSA sugars associated with prostate cancer, like a lock and key. The more such sugars it detects, the higher a man’s chance of having aggressive prostate cancer that needs urgent treatment.

    “At the end of two years, we want to demonstrate that our technology can detect high- or low-risk prostate cancer with high accuracy,” says Professor Mendes.

    She then hopes to run a larger clinical trial and ultimately make the test part of a future screening programme for prostate cancer.

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  • Is it safe to bottom after prostate surgery?

    Is it safe to bottom after prostate surgery?

    One of the major concerns for gay men who have had prostate surgery to remove the prostate gland is whether they can ever bottom again.

    Is is safe to have gay sex after prostate surgery?

    The prostate is often referred to as the G Spot for men, or indeed, trans women. It has tonnes of nerve endings and when manipulated, it can cause huge amounts of pleasure for the recipient. Due to its placement in the body, the only way to access the prostate is either through fingering, anal sex or sounding.

    What and where is the prostate?

    The Prostate is a satsuma sized gland, located between the penis and bladder. Its function is to help in the production of semen. It produces the white fluid which is mixed with sperm created in the testicles.

    What happens when the prostate is removed?

    Removing the prostate is an operation which will be done under general anaesthetic, and it’s called a prostatectomy. This is where the entire or part of the prostate gland is removed. Usually due to cancer, but it might be removed for other reasons.

    The operation does carry risks, including erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence and loss of ejaculation, however, it doesn’t mean that sex for gay men has to stop.

    In order to check the health of your prostate, you might receive a rectal examination.

    Can you have gay sex after prostate surgery?

    One reader recently asked whether it was safe for him to bottom again after surgery. We asked Doctor Rick Viney, a consultant urological surgeon at BMI The Priory and BMI Edgbaston hospitals in Birmingham, whether it was possible to bottom, or be the receptive partner in anal sex after a prostatectomy, he told us,

    “With plenty of lube and going very gently at first there should be no problems.

    “Now the prostate has gone the sensations may be diminished.

    “Probably best done on an empty bladder as there may be a risk of some urinary incontinence unless you are ok with that – you might want to warn a potential partner of this possibility, beforehand.”

    ALSO READ 10 things you probably didn’t know that happens if you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer.

    How long should you wait after prostate surgery to have gay sex?

    Prostate charity, Prostate Cancer UK, suggests waiting at least 6 weeks after surgery or treatment before attempting anal sex and say that you should be a little more cautious.

    In our podcast with Prostate Cancer survivor Martin Wells he told us, depending on your treatment, you could lose your ability to get a self-maintained erection, but said, that even though he couldn’t have sex in the same way as he had before his treatment, he learned a brand new way of being intimate with his partner. He now enjoys a more tantric approach to sex.

    As always, it’s always best to ask your own physician or GP after surgery to see if there might be any other complications.

  • Stephen Fry reveals battle with prostate cancer

    Stephen Fry reveals battle with prostate cancer

    British actor and comedian Stephen Fry revealed on Friday he has been battling prostate cancer, adding that he was currently “fit and well”. The 60-year-old wrote on Twitter that over the last two months he had “been in the throes of a rather unwelcome and unexpected adventure”.

  • 10 things you probably didn’t know that happens if you’re diagnosed with prostate cancer

    In our latest podcast, prostate cancer survivor and information campaigner, Martin Wells revealed what happens after you are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

    1) You might not even have any symptoms.

    In our interview with him, Martin told us that he didn’t have any symptoms before he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He actually went to his GP for a totally unrelated matter. His doctor decided to check out his prostate. Two days later Martin was called by his surgery to come in to discuss the results, which is where found out that he had prostate cancer.

    2) You don’t have to be a cis-gender man to get prostate cancer.

    Transgender Flag

    Anyone who still has their prostate gland can get prostate cancer. Trans women can be diagnosed with this type of disease. It is completely nondiscriminatory in who it affects, gay, straight, bisexual or transgender.

    3) One in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

    There are 40,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Most people who are diagnosed are over the age of 50 – but more and more men younger than this are being diagnosed each year.

    4) Black men are twice as likely to be diagnosed. 

    One in 4 men with African-Caribbean or African descent will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is not known why prostate cancer affects this demographic of people more.

    5) Depending on your treatment, you could lose your ability to get self-maintained erections, but you can still have sex.

    What happens when you get prostate cancer

    Martin told us, that even though he couldn’t have sex in the same way as he had before his treatment, he learned a brand new way of being intimate with his partner. He now enjoys a more tantric approach to sex.

    6) Sex can last up to three hours.

    No more WHAM BANG THANK YOU MAN. Martin says he found that he could still have a sex life, but now lasts much longer.

    7) Depending on your treatment, you might not be able to ejaculate…

    but you can still cum. No mess… no fuss.

    8) As good as the NHS is dealing with cancer patients, it’s not perfect –

    Will the NHS help me if I get prostate cancer

    You could be misgendered if you’re transgender and those who are treating you might assume that you have a wife if you’re gay. However, once told that you’re not married or heterosexual, healthcare professionals are pretty good at making sure they don’t say it again.

    9) There’s no one to talk about the sexual repercussions of prostate cancer treatment.

    Martin found that there was no one able (or willing) to talk about getting erections or how he could have sex again after the removal of his prostate. That’s one of the reasons why he started his support group, Out With Prostate Cancer.

    10) The Prostate is a satsuma sized gland, located between the penis and bladder.

    Its function is to help in the production of semen. It produces the white fluid which is mixed with sperm created in the testicles.

    Listen to our chat with Martin Well on iTunes.

  • Guys: Five health signs that something might be wrong

    We spoke to doctors from The Online Clinic to seek advice on the most important symptoms for men to be on the lookout for.

    Men's Health, prostate worries,
    If you’re suffering any of these pains, you might want to get yourself to the GP

    It can be hard to know what health issues are really important to look out for with men’s health. The internet throws all kinds of signs and symptoms at us, and googling only results in permanent paranoia. To try and understand what we really should be keeping an eye out for, I’ve been speaking to doctors from The Online Clinic to highlight the most important health signs. They gave me information on the following top five health signs which should be a warning signal to men to go and get a check-up.

    Urination

    Be sure to keep an eye on your urine – as this is often the first sign that something is wrong with your prostate. If you have a poor stream or find there is hesitation when going to pee, this can be a strong indication of prostatic issues. Get checked by a doctor as soon as possible and put your mind at ease.

    Unexplained weight loss

    Another sign is weight loss – if you are losing weight without intention, it’s a good idea to get this investigated. The doctors at The Online Clinic have said that it could mean you have a symptom of a metallic disorder such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or even cancer in the extreme cases.

    Statistically, middle-aged men are twice as likely to suffer from diabetes than women, so it is important to rule this out. If you notice that you are beginning to lose weight, make sure you see a doctor ASAP.

    Coughing

    Coughing can be another sign of a more serious health problem – if you’re a smoker, don’t dismiss a cough that lingers for more than three weeks as just being a nasty cigarette side effect. It could be a sign of something much more serious, like a lung disorder – or even cancer. If you find that a cough does last longer than three weeks, be sure to get this checked as soon as possible. And, if you don’t smoke, a cough longer than 6 weeks could indicate the same thing.

    Painful ejaculation

    Pain when you ejaculate is unpleasant and can be distressing. If this happens make sure you take note and go to the doctors, however embarrassing it may be.

    Regularly check for blood in your sperm or discharge from your penis. If you do find anything unusual it’s a good idea to go and get an STI test. These are all symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease.

    Pain

    Lastly, it’s important to remember that pain, in general, is usually a sign that something’s wrong: listen to your body when it tells you that something is amiss and seek advice from a doctor.

    Advice given by Dr Elizabeth Kershaw-Yates, GP and one of the medical team at TheOnlineClinic

  • Prostate Cancer UK opens online support group for gay and bisexual men

    Prostate Cancer UK has teamed up with Opening Doors London to trial a new online discussion group for gay and bisexual men who have been affected by prostate cancer. The online discussion group will provide men with the opportunity to discuss any subject or concerns about prostate cancer and offer support.

    The first session was held last night (18 October at 7pm) and was facilitated by Opening Doors London, the largest charity for older people in the LGBT community in the UK. Sessions will take place for an hour on the third Thursday of every month for the trial period (6 months) and will be accessible from a computer, tablet or phone. Participants can choose to dial in by video or by audio only, if they prefer not to be seen on screen. Additionally, men can join anonymously should they wish.

    Currently, 1 man dies every 45 minutes from prostate cancer – that’s more than 11,000 men in the UK each year. This makes tackling prostate cancer through research, campaigning and providing support crucially important. Tailoring information and services to different areas of the community also plays a key role in tackling this disease.

    Martin Wells, 63 from Burnley, is a gay man who was diagnosed with localised prostate cancer in 2007. He said: “Going through prostate cancer and the side effects of treatment really affected me psychologically. I desperately needed emotional support to help me get through this difficult time and there weren’t any services near me that focused on psychosexual health. The fact there is not tailored support for men like me in every area of the country, encouraged me to set up my own support groups. Talking to other men who could speak to me on my terms felt incredible. That’s why Prostate Cancer UK’s new online discussion group is a great opportunity for gay, bisexual men and MSM to come together and discuss any topics on prostate cancer without judgement, wherever they live. I would encourage anyone who has any concerns or needs support to join up and share how they feel.

    Ann Innes, Support Group Development Manager at Prostate Cancer UK explains, “We know that people find a great deal of help and support in dealing with prostate cancer from being able to talk to others about shared experiences and problems. Although there are many prostate cancer support groups around the UK, we know that some gay and bisexual men may not feel comfortable about discussing some of their concerns or asking certain types of questions in these groups. So we wanted to offer an alternative for people who would like to speak to others with similar experiences but who for whatever reason could not or do not want to utilise a face to face group. We hope to see this unique support group develop into a key trusted resource for these men going forward.”

    Professor Jeffery Weeks, Chair of ODL trustees said, “Opening Doors London is delighted to be working in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK in the development of an important new service. This online support group for gay men living with prostate cancer will provide new opportunities to challenge taboos and anxieties and to develop mutual support, confidence and knowledge.”

    The next session will take place on 16th November 2018

    To join the online discussion group, please register your details here:https://prostatecanceruk.org/lgbtgroup

     

  • 5 things you probably didn’t know about prostate cancer, but should

    We look at one male cancer which touches the lives of at least one in eight men in the UK, Prostate cancer.

    With the help of Dr Gordon Muir, the Consultant Urological Surgeon at London Bridge Hospital, we dispell some untruths and discovers some facts about cancer which affects nearly 1 in eight men in the UK.

    Here’re 5 things you probably didn’t know about prostate cancer, but should.

     

    No early symptoms.

    Prostate cancer usually gives off no early signs. Dr Gordon Muir, the Consultant Urological Surgeon at London Bridge Hospital said, that it “can be diagnosed only by examination or a blood test.”

    He suggests that you should get checked out if you have, “bone pain, difficulty passing urine, or general malaise”, which might signify advanced prostate cancer.

    Blood tests reveal the truth.

    It isn’t all fingers up the bum. A blood test followed by a biopsy is taken to help doctors determine your prostate health.

    Race and genetics are a factor.

    There are a couple of higher risk groups. Dr Gordon Muir tells us that black men are much more likely to develop the disease. Family history also plays a huge role in your risk factor.

    Diet can make a difference.

    You should take good care of your diet as Dr Muir points out, “Being overweight and eating a lot of cooked red meat may increase the risk slightly too.” To remedy this he suggests, “tomatoes, green and yellow vegetables, soya protein, coffee and garlic may all help. As with most diseases, the best advice is to eat a healthy diet and keep fit”.

    There are five types of prostate cancer.

    Last year it was announced that the scientists from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and Addenbrooke’s Hospital made the shocking discovery that there are five kinds of prostate cancer.

    The discovery means that doctors will now potentially be able to distinguish between slow growing to the deadlier cancers. The discovery was identified by comparing 250 samples removed during surgery.

  • Andrew Hayden Smith To Get Soaked For Hot Fellas

    Banana and Cucumber star Andrew Hayden Smith is playing a DJ set tonight at Ku bar to celebrate the launch of a calendar of gay men getting soaked in aid of charity, Prostate Cancer UK.

    Speaking to TheGayUK, Andrew said,

    “It’s for a great cause. I was happy to lend my support and go down and spin some tunes for them and there’s going to be some hot fellas as well – so that’s always good!”

    Clonezone and Soho based KU Bar have joined forces for a charity evening of surprises, cocktails and guest DJ’s to present the launch of Project SOAKED, brain child of photographer Mark Lister.

    Project SOAKED is a visual venture from the award-winning photographer showcasing striking portraits within a calendar and hard back photo book of men amidst a downpour of water. Lister launched the project to raise awareness of Prostate Cancer with proceeds going to Prostate Cancer UK.

    “It’s important to us to support Project Soaked and assist Mark in his efforts to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK” said Clonezone’s Marketing Manager Topher Taylor. “We’ve found as a company that a surprisingly low-number of men know the basic facts of Prostate Cancer, including not knowing how to examine themselves for symptoms. We are excited to build a long-term relationship with Project Soaked, with 100% of proceeds from the calendar going directly to the cause”.

    The event will take place at KU Bar’s award winning gay bar on 30 Lisle Street, WC2H 7BA in the centre of vibrant London’s Soho tonight from 8PM.

  • Five Types Of Prostate Cancer Found

    Five Types Of Prostate Cancer Found

    Scientists from the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and Addenbrooke’s Hospital have made the shocking discovery that there are five kinds of prostate cancer.

    © lightsource Depositphotos

    The discovery of the five differing types of prostate cancer could transform the medical aid and treatments offered to patients as medical professionals will be dealing with five different diseases. The discovery means that doctors will now potentially be able to distinguish between slow growing to the more deadlier cancers. The discovery was identified by comparing 250 samples removed during surgery.

    Dr Gordon Muir, Consultant Urological Surgeon at London Bridge Hospital said that early prostate cancer causes no symptoms, but can only be detected by examination or a blood test. Prostate cancer is normally diagnosed by blood test and then a biopsy.

    Advanced prostate cancer symptoms include bone pain, difficulty passing urine, or general tiredness. There are 41,700 cases reported each year in the UK.

    There are lifestyle factors that can increase your chances of developing prostate cancer. Family history being a significant factor as well as race, black men are at much higher risk of the cancer that kills around 11,000 men a year. According to statistics one in four black men will get prostate cancer ay some point in their lifes.

    “Being overweight and eating a lot of cooked red meat may increase the risk slightly too.” explains Dr Gordon Muir.