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Prostate screening ‘could save lives’ – the symptoms and risk factors you need to know
Prostate screening ‘could save lives’ – the symptoms and risk factors you need to know
There are more than 47,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in England but new research says using MRI scans can reduce deaths caused by the disease. Current tests usually detect the level of the protein prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, but scientists say this has meant overdiagnosis and overtreatment of low-risk cancer. The Reimagine study, by University College London, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, invited 303 men aged between 50 and 75 to have a screening MRI and a PSA test. Of those men, 48 (16%) had an MRI that indicated prostate cancer despite having a median PSA density – 32 of those had lower PSA levels than the current screening benchmark, meaning they would ordinarily not have been referred for investigation. After NHS assessment 29 were diagnosed with cancer that required treatment, and three were diagnosed with low-risk cancer with no need for treatment. Prof Caroline Moore, consultant surgeon at UCLH, chief investigator of the study and NIHR research professor, called the findings “sobering”. She said: “Our results give an early indication that MRI could offer a more reliable method of detecting potentially serious cancers early, with the added benefit that less than 1% of participants were ‘over-diagnosed’ with low-risk disease.” What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is the UK’s most common male cancer. It affects the prostate – a walnut-sized gland that sits beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra in people born with male sex organs. Its main purpose is to help produce semen (the fluid that carries sperm). Prostate cancer can develop when cells in the prostate start to grow in an uncontrolled way. While some prostate cancers grow quickly and spread, others grow too slowly to cause any problems and therefore will never need any treatment. What are the risk factors “Prostate cancer is a disease we tend to see in older age groups (over-50s), but there are exceptions, as with any form of cancer,” said Dr Sanjay Mehta, GP at The London General Practice. According to Prostate Cancer UK black men are at a higher risk – one in four black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime (compared to one in eight for other men). The risk increases after the age of 45. Family history is important too; your father or brother has had prostate cancer or your mother or sister has had breast cancer, your risk is higher. What are the symptoms? Often there aren’t any signs in the early stages, so be aware of your own risk factors and chat to your doctor if concerned. Prostate Cancer UK have an online risk checker you can use too. Mehta said to watch out for urinary symptoms and changes to how you urinate. “So frequency, where you need to go more often. Hesitancy, where you’re standing over the toilet bowl and a period of time will pass before you’re able to pass urine, and ‘dribbling’, where you’ve finished but find you’re still passing when you walk away. “These are common in older men anyway. But if it’s new for you, and you find you’re having to go more often at night, and you’re having hesitancy or urgency, see your doctor.” Other things to get checked include erectile dysfunction, blood in your urine, and any new and unexplained lower back pain. “Then there are general systemic symptoms, like lethargy, lack of appetite,” added Mehta. “Again, these things often happen anyway, but if it’s a change for you and it’s been happening for a couple of weeks, see your doctor.” How is prostate cancer diagnosed and treated? First, your doctor will chat through your symptoms and history with you. “The next step would involve an examination, including a rectal examination of the prostate,” said Mehta, before referral for further investigations. “I appreciate this can put some men off seeing their doctor but it is a very helpful way of assessing things”. After diagnosis, treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and what’s suitable for each individual, but it may include surgery or radiotherapy. Caught early, prostate cancer is generally very treatable. And even with advanced prostate cancer, treatments have come a long way. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Keep fit to avoid heart rhythm disorder and stroke, study suggests How to give your home a proper summer sort out What you really need to do in autumn to keep your lawn in shape
2023-08-22 18:55
Having a One-Network Stand in a Short-Term Rental? Use Protection!
Having a One-Network Stand in a Short-Term Rental? Use Protection!
They may or may not come with bedbugs, but even the worst motels offer free
2023-10-07 20:48
China’s Spying in Cuba Picks Up Where the Soviet Union Left Off
China’s Spying in Cuba Picks Up Where the Soviet Union Left Off
For half a century, America’s top geopolitical rival used a spy base in nearby Cuba to steal US
2023-06-16 09:21
Lewis Hamilton says ‘something’s up’ at Red Bull – if Max Verstappen struggles in Japan
Lewis Hamilton says ‘something’s up’ at Red Bull – if Max Verstappen struggles in Japan
Lewis Hamilton expects Red Bull to return to their imperious form of 2023 this weekend in Japan - insisting “something’s up” if that doesn’t prove to be the case. Red Bull had won 14 from 14 races prior to last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix but struggled in the twists and turns of the city-state, with both cars failing to qualify for Q3 and Max Verstappen finishing only fifth in Sunday’s race. However, a return to a more traditional track at Suzuka this weekend is expected to coincide with business as usual for Christian Horner’s team. Max Verstappen cannot secure his third-straight world title in Japan this weekend but is the favourite once again, with seven-time world champion Hamilton expecting Red Bull to be back on top by some margin. “I would think that if they’re [Red Bull] not 30 seconds ahead, like they have done in the past, then something’s up,” Hamilton said. “It was obviously a difficult weekend the last one but their car should be phenomenal here. They’ve been phenomenal all year long, their pace at pretty much every circuit. “It’s going to be great to watch that car in general. Normally, you’d come here and it’s beautiful to watch the laps that they do because the whole team and the drivers are doing an amazing job with the package they have. So it’ll be interesting to see how the weekend goes. “I hope we’ll be closer and I hope they’re not as fast as that 30-second gap they’ve had in the past.” Verstappen secured his second world title in Japan last year after a chaotic, wet race in Japan. The Dutchman, who has a 151-point lead in the drivers’ championship, emphasised he wasn’t overly bothered at his own record-breaking win-streak of 10 coming to an end in Singapore. “I have no emotion,” Verstappen said. “We stopped winning for one race. S*** happens! We won 10 in a row before that. “Of course I would have liked to win there as well. But I also know that there is always going to be a day where you have done that weekend where then you’re not winning or things go wrong. And yeah, unfortunately, it was that weekend. “We just move on and try again.” Read More Lando Norris calls for ‘harsher penalties’ after Max Verstappen incident Ferrari finally find their chief strategist – and it’s Carlos Sainz Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to miss Japanese Grand Prix Lando Norris calls for ‘harsher penalties’ after Max Verstappen incident Rising F1 star Oscar Piastri makes decision on McLaren future Carlos Sainz would be a ‘good fit’ for Audi seat in 2026, says Johnny Herbert
2023-09-21 18:23
Fraser Franks undergoing heart surgery – four years after ‘hidden’ condition cut short football career
Fraser Franks undergoing heart surgery – four years after ‘hidden’ condition cut short football career
Former Newport defender Fraser Franks faced a difficult “grieving process” when a heart problem cut short his football career at age 28. But four years on, as he prepares for surgery that will ultimately save his life, he is “grateful” the condition was picked up early – as many people aren’t even aware they’re at risk. “I’ll be having a mechanical valve fitted and work done on my aorta,” Franks, now 32, told PA Media. His surgery is set for September 4. “It is a big operation and I’ll be in hospital for about 10 days. And the recovery after, I won’t be able to lift anything, even a bag of shopping, for two to three months. With a four-year-old daughter, that’s going to be difficult for me and her,” added Franks, who shares daughter Nellie with his wife, former S Club 8 singer Stacey McClean. “It’s been a lot to get my head around. There will be certain things I can’t do afterwards and a lot of lifestyle adjustments, but I’m really happy and content with it. I’m grateful that this has been found and that there’s a solution for me, where unfortunately a lot of people haven’t got that. “I’ve had conversations with cardiologists and surgeons [who’ve said] this is going to save my life, I probably wouldn’t live much longer with the heart I’ve currently got. So I’m really grateful for that, and it’s only through playing for a professional football club that this was picked up.” Franks was born with a bicuspid valve – meaning his aortic valve, which helps control blood flow in the heart, had two cusps (flaps) instead of the usual three. The condition is believed to affect around one in every 100 people, but it often doesn’t cause symptoms and only becomes serious if the valve begins to leak or develops severe narrowing (aortic stenosis), which is what has happened in Franks’ case. A routine medical at 16 first picked up the defect. Franks, who signed with Chelsea at age eight, had always been fit and healthy, but when he signed with Brentford at 16, like all players joining pro clubs he was given a heart scan. Further investigations revealed the bicuspid valve, but because it wasn’t causing problems, he was given the green light to continue as normal. Franks carried on, trying not to give it too much thought – until at 28, he suddenly started feeling unwell after a game and was rushed to hospital the next day, worried he was having a heart attack. “I wasn’t having a heart attack or anything like that, but I contracted an infection. While I was in there though, I told them I’d had this heart issue when I was 16, so they scanned me and saw the condition had worsened,” he recalled. “I’d developed aortic stenosis and the valve was leaking a lot more. Then it was deemed unsafe for me to carry on playing football, so I had to stop playing there and then.” London-born Franks has teamed up with the British Heart Foundation for their September Spotlight campaign, which aims to shine a spotlight on hidden heart conditions. His story highlights how heart problems can potentially affect anyone – including those who are young and seemingly very fit and healthy. Even when symptoms are mild or barely noticeable, undetected issues could become serious and even life-threatening, which is why research and awareness are so vital. Plus, as Franks has experienced, there are complex layers and emotional challenges to living with a hidden heart condition too. Being forced to suddenly retire early when he’d previously felt fine – and still looked well on the outside – was tough. “Ever since age eight, I’d been known as ‘the footballer’. It had been my whole identity, so to retire at 28 out of the blue was difficult,” Franks explained. “I think I kidded myself in the first six months, where I was saying, ‘Yeah I’m fine, I’m enjoying retirement and all that good stuff’. But I was really struggling and drinking heavily. “I reached out and got some help and had to do a lot of therapy. It really is a grieving process, and I had to figure out who I was and what I enjoyed away from being ‘the athlete’. “And I didn’t play at the top level, so I didn’t have savings in the bank – I had to pretty much get to work straight away and earn a living. My wife was heavily pregnant then too, so there was a lot of stress and overwhelm at that period.” Yoga and meditation also proved a huge help in coming to terms with everything, and Franks has since found a new sense of purpose, channelling his experiences into helping others. “I do a lot of work around addiction and alcohol now, because I really struggled with those things. That’s become a big part of what I do now, helping people who want to transition away from sport, and working with young athletes on addiction and mental health.” He took up yoga as a gentle form of exercise when doctors told him strenuous sport was too risky. “I just completely fell in love with it,” Franks added. “I’ve found a real passion for it. It’s actually a goal of mine now – it’s going to be something I’ll be thinking about when I’m in hospital – when I’m healed, I want to go to India or Bali and actually earn a qualification and get trained as a yoga teacher. “Instead of focusing on all the things I’m unable to do, that’s something I will be able to do. That brings me a lot of comfort.” This September, the BHF is shining a spotlight on hidden heart conditions and urging everyone to get involved by supporting the charity however they can, with stories, stuff, time or money. Visit spotlighton.bhf.org.uk Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 4 viral TikTok make-up trends you’ll actually want to try Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: What are the warning signs that your child might have cancer? How students heading to university can save some cash and budget wisely
2023-09-01 20:19
Lando Norris reflects on 2023 win prospects after another near-miss in Austin
Lando Norris reflects on 2023 win prospects after another near-miss in Austin
Lando Norris believes it is “unlikely” he will secure his first win in Formula 1 this year. The McLaren driver led large periods of Sunday’s United States Grand Prix in Austin but the pace of his car dropped off in the latter stages as he was caught by eventual race winner Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. It is Norris’ 12th podium in F1 – and sixth this year – but a first victory still agonisingly eludes him. Asked whether he could win one of the remaining four races, Norris replied: “Unlikely. Qatar [two weeks ago] was our best opportunity. “That’s why I was tough on myself, because I knew it was our only opportunity. “Vegas is still a big question mark but there’s no high-speed circuits [left] which is where we’re very strong. We’re on par with Red Bull almost in the high-speed corners. “Just the slow-speed [corners] are letting us down at the minute. We understand it, we know it’s our area to improve on. “When it comes together, which probably won’t be this year but next year, then we can do some good things.” F1 moves on to Mexico next, before Brazil, Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi close out the season. Read More Lewis Hamilton rues Mercedes error which cost him victory at US Grand Prix Max Verstappen booed by American fans on podium after victory Max Verstappen defies Lewis Hamilton to edge United States Grand Prix victory
2023-10-23 07:52
Watch the 'Succession' cast talk about their emotional last day of filming
Watch the 'Succession' cast talk about their emotional last day of filming
Still feeling emotional that Succession has come to an end? Well, so are the cast.
2023-06-01 17:47
Get over 1,000 hours of cybersecurity training for under £60
Get over 1,000 hours of cybersecurity training for under £60
TL;DR: An InfoSec4TC Platinum Membership is on sale for £55.46, saving you 75% on list
2023-05-14 12:22
Bacterial infection linked to recent baby formula shortage may join federal disease watchlist
Bacterial infection linked to recent baby formula shortage may join federal disease watchlist
US health officials may soon ask states to notify them of any cases of infants with serious infections caused by Cronobacter sakazakii, bacteria that can contaminate infant formula.
2023-05-09 19:28
The best VPNs for unblocking Japanese Netflix
The best VPNs for unblocking Japanese Netflix
We are living in the golden age of streaming, with absolutely loads of platforms hosting
2023-07-20 18:18
Publix Memorial Day hours: Is Publix open on Memorial Day? (Updated May 2023)
Publix Memorial Day hours: Is Publix open on Memorial Day? (Updated May 2023)
Is Publix open on Memorial Day 2023? If you're a shopper who needs last-minute barbeque supplies look no further than this year's Publix Memorial Day hours.Memorial Day is here which means Americans all over will be honoring the sacrifices of US military personnel through the years....
2023-05-29 07:54
Scientists say we’ve all been using sunscreen wrong in new skin cancer warning
Scientists say we’ve all been using sunscreen wrong in new skin cancer warning
Most people do not apply enough sunscreen or wear adequate clothing when out in the sun for too long, according to a new study that warned that the product may be giving them “a false sense of security”. The research, published recently in the journal Cancers, sheds more light on the observation that melanoma and skin cancer rates are rising globally despite a rise in sunscreen usage – an oddity termed the “sunscreen paradox”. “The problem is that people use sunscreen as a ‘permission slip’ to tan. People think they are protected from skin cancer because they are using a product marketed to prevent a condition,” study co-author Ivan Litvinov from McGill University in Canada said. In the research, scientists found that Canadians living in provinces with incidence rates for melanoma – one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer – were more likely to report using sun protection, more aware of the health risks of sun exposure, and more apt to follow the UV index. Overall, scientists assessed data from 22 focus groups encompassing 95 Atlantic Canada residents. The analysis found that despite reporting more awareness and intent for protection from the sun, people in these provinces received more sun exposure due to warmer temperatures and a tendency to engage in outdoor activities. In another assessment of people in the UK, they found contradicting evidence that sunscreen use was surprisingly linked to an over two-fold risk of developing skin cancer. “These combined findings suggest a sunscreen paradox, whereby individuals with higher levels of sun exposure also tend to use more but not an adequate quantity of sunscreen or other sun-protection measures, providing a false sense of security,” Dr Litvinov explained. Scientists call for new interventions, considering this sunscreen paradox, to address knowledge gaps in sun protection and skin cancer prevention. “Sunscreen is important, but it is also the least effective way to protect your skin when compared to sun protective clothing, rash guards, and sun avoidance. People can and should enjoy the outdoors, but without getting a sunburn or a suntan,” Dr Litvinov added. Read More If being without your phone fills you with dread, you could have nomophobia When do the clocks go back in the UK this year? Nursery places and wraparound childcare plans announced
2023-10-30 13:48