insideKENT Magazine Issue 81 - December 2018 | Page 3

Prostate Cancer Be proactive. Get tested. Every year over 45,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK, and around 10,000 men will die from the disease. It is the most common solid organ cancer in the male population, and around 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. For the first time, more patients are dying from prostate cancer than breast cancer, but if picked up early it is treatable and the prognosis for the disease, if it hasn’t spread remains very good. What are the risk factors? • Men aged 50 and above • Obesity can lead to a more aggressive and advanced form of the disease • A family history of prostate or breast cancer • It affects 1 in 8 white men and 1 in 4 black men So how can a diagnosis be made? One Ashford Consultant Urologist Mr Ben Eddy states: ‘A simple blood test called a PSA test, along with an examination of the prostate could be life changing. At One Ashford Hospital, we can offer the latest MRI imaging and advanced prostate diagnostics in order to determine if the patient has the disease or not. This pathway helps pick it up before symptoms can develop. With NHS waiting times now exceeding 8 weeks to reach a diagnosis, at One Ashford Hospital a diagnosis can be made via this rapid access pathway within 1-2 weeks.’ If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, visit your GP and request a referral to see one of our consultant surgeons. • Difficulty passing urine • An inability to completely empty your bladder • A need to pee more frequently, especially at night • The sudden urge to pee • Blood in the pee or semen Do you have Private Health Insurance? If you have private health insurance, it is worth noting that the cost of your care could be covered, so it is worth checking your policy. One Ashford Hospital G T William Harvey Hospital Ashford H A 20 Kennington Road, Ashford TN24 0YS Telephone: [phone] www.oneashford.co.uk [email protected] 70 J10 20 Ashford town centre 92 A2 M 20 Tesco HY TH E RO AD *Dependent on Consultant availability. **Terms & Conditions apply.