Men are being encouraged to engage their fathers in a conversation involving four critical questions that could be life-saving. Prostate cancer holds the title of the most prevalent cancer among men in the UK, with approximately 63,000 new cases identified annually, impacting one in every eight men.

Currently, there are about 510,000 men either living with or having survived prostate cancer, yet tragically, over 10,000 succumb to the disease each year, as reported by Prostate Cancer UK. A cancer expert now emphasizes the importance of family discussions, noting how gentle reminders can play a crucial role in motivating men to monitor their health and consult with a GP when needed.

Dr. Jiri Kubes, a specialist in radiation oncology, remarked, “Discussing personal health issues can be challenging for many men, but it remains vital. We recognize that men may delay visiting their doctor. Open dialogues and asking these questions can serve as a gentle push towards taking action when necessary.” He suggests that these four questions could potentially expedite diagnosis and treatment.

Is there a history of prostate cancer in the family?

The prevalence of prostate cancer is on the rise, with an increased risk if your father or brother has been diagnosed. Macmillan Cancer Support highlights that the risk escalates further if two or more close relatives on the same side of the family, such as a grandfather and an uncle, have had prostate cancer.

Dr. Kubes, who serves as the medical director at the Proton Therapy Center in Prague, Czech Republic, stated, “Understanding your risk is crucial because prostate cancer often presents without symptoms in its early stages. If you have a familial history or concerns about prostate cancer, you should discuss a PSA test with your GP. This test assesses the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. While not flawless, it can identify irregularities, which is vital for early detection.”

Have you noticed any changes when you pee?

Prostate cancer may go unnoticed initially due to a lack of symptoms, yet it can cause noticeable changes in urinary habits. Dr. Kubes advises, “If you find yourself needing to urinate more frequently or waking up multiple times at night, it’s essential to explore the underlying cause.”

“You may also notice a hesitancy when you try to pee, or straining and taking a lot of time, as well as a weak flow. For some it feels like their bladder hasn’t been fully emptied. These symptoms do not mean you definitely have cancer, but they should be mentioned to a GP who can discuss your risk and assess whether you should have further tests.”

Have you noticed blood in your urine?

Blood in the urine, also called haematuria, can be a red flag for cancers of the prostate, bladder or kidneys and should never be ignored, according to the expert. Dr Kubes said: “If you notice blood in your urine even once, don’t wait for it to happen again. Once is enough to make an appointment with your GP. It could be nothing, but if it is something then a timely diagnosis can save your life.”

When was the last time you saw your GP?

According to a recent ONS Health Insight Survey, just 33.5% of men had attempted to make contact with their GP practice for themselves or someone else in their household in the last 28 days. This is compared to 45.8% of women.

Dr Kubes said: “We know that men are often more reluctant to talk about their health. Sometimes this can lead to people burying their head in the sand and ignoring little niggles until they become a serious problem. It’s really important to have open conversations around health and encourage people to get ‘that little problem’ checked out.”