Prostate Cancer |
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 Prostate cancer is the growth of malignant cells in the prostate. It is the second most common cancer in men. The cells may reproduce and spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body but there are many men who die with the disease rather than from it says Frank Chinegwundoh Consultant Urologist Surgeon at Newham University Hospital NHS Trust and Barts and the London NHS Trust. There are a number of test that can be carried out one of which is the prostate specific antigen blood test (PSA), a simple routine test which Dr Chinegwundoh urges men to request. He says that it could save your life!
“ A man may have prostate cancer without having any noticeable problem at all. It is the PSA blood test that may indicate that something may be wrong with the prostate and therefore a biopsy (a sample for analysis) of the prostate is needed. Prostate cancer may declare itself with urinary symptoms, such as a slow flow, a delay in the flow starting, frequent passing of urine by day or by night and having to rush to the toilet. Blood in the urine can also be a sign as well as pain or infection. These symptoms might also arise if the prostate gland is enlarged with age but not be anything to do with cancer. It is important that a man seeks medical advice to find out the possibilities if he has urinary trouble" says Dr Chinegwundoh.
Afro Caribbean's who have a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease. 1in 8 men will develop prostate cancer and according to the statistics the ratio of black Afro Caribbean men developing the disease is 3 to 1 when compared with Caucasian males.
Dr Chinegwundoh is also the Chairman of cancer Black care (CBC) UK's leading cancer support service for the black and minority ethnic (BME) community which was set up in 1995. CBC provides a very unique service providing information, advice and support services for cancer patients and their families, which is sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity. Some of the challenges faced by the BME include lack of appropriate information, discrimination, culturally insensitive care, unprofessional attitudes, as well as a lack of understanding and knowledge of the service provision .
If you would like to talk to someone in confidence, require counselling or outreach services please telephone: 020 8961 4151 or visit the website at : www.cancerblackcare.org.uk/outreach.htm. All Donations are most welcome via the website.
www.urologyconsultant.co.uk
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