Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

East Riding of Yorkshire Council is supporting Prostate Cancer Awareness month this March and is keen to share the signs and symptoms that all men should be aware of.

Ignoring prostate cancer won’t beat it. Prostate Cancer UK has a simple ambition – to stop men dying from prostate cancer.

Through shifting the science over the next 10 years to focus on radical improvements in diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and support, we will stop prostate cancer being a killer.

Laurie Fergusson, public health lead for healthy lifestyles at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Most men with early prostate cancer don’t have any symptoms, but if you’re worried about your risk or are experiencing any symptoms, visit your GP.

“It’s important to take note of the symptoms that can present themselves, as catching it early can make a lot of difference.”

Changes to look out for include:

- Needing to urinate more often than usual, including at night – for example if you often need to go again after two hours

- Difficulty starting to urinate

- Straining or taking a long time to finish urinating

- A weak flow when you urinate

- A feeling that you’re not emptying your bladder fully

- Needing to rush to the toilet – sometimes leaking before you get there

- Dribbling urine after you finish.

Less common symptoms include:

- Pain when urinating

- Pain when ejaculating

- Blood in your urine or semen*

- Problems getting or keeping an erection – this isn’t a common symptom of a prostate problem and is more often linked to other health conditions such as diabetes or heart problems.

*Blood in your urine or semen can be caused by other health problems. Talk to your doctor if you see any blood in your urine or semen.

For more information visit www.prostatecanceruk.org