Prostate Cancer Research Foundation

Vansunited are partnering with the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) to help raise awareness of the risks of prostate cancer to the van driving community.

Prostate cancer is diagnosed in about 32,000 men each year in Britain with 10,000 dying from the disease annually. Lack of awareness has been recognised as a major issue and men have a one in ten lifetime risk of being diagnosed.

The PCRF now know more about prostate cancer than ever before - this has come through the help and support of the general public and through working with the other prostate related charities.

The PCRF are funding the best independent worldwide research into the causes of prostate cancer so that they can offer better outcomes to men diagnosed with prostate cancer and to enable all specialists to share information. They have funded independent research since 1998, and have been involved with a number of breakthroughs, including discovering that differences in men's immune systems can have a bearing on developing prostate cancer

What is the prostate?
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and is vital in the production of semen. The tube through which the urine passes is called the urethra, which goes through the prostate gland.

If the prostate enlarges, then the urethra narrows and urination problems occur. The prostate is also the centre for a bundle of sexual nerves, which is why prostate problems can cause impotence.

Prostate cancer is rare in men under 45, although we do know that men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms
A doctor's visit should be arranged if any general concerns or any of the following occur:

- Difficulties with urination
- Lack of satisfying pressure
- A feeling that the bladder is empty, then needing to pass urine again
- Getting up to pass urine during the night
- An ability to gain or hold an erection
- The presence of blood in the urine (rare)

The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the more likely the success of treatment.

What Should I do?
All men, whatever their age need to be aware of their prostate, and what can go wrong with it, just as the majority of women are aware of their breasts, and what they should do if they suspect something has changed.

If you are already health conscious then you can consider getting an annual test that can pick up prostate problems. Although the PSA (prostate specific antigen) test is not available on a national screening basis, any man over the age of 50 (or 45 if you have a family history of prostate problems) can ask their doctor for a PSA test.

Visit www.giveafewbob.org to watch the Bob Monkhouse video and /or make a donation to the PCRF.