Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy has revealed that he has advanced prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones and is now terminal. The 48-year-old’s announcement has led to an outpouring of support, with charities appealing for raised awareness of the disease to aid others. Prostate cancers can vary greatly in terms of behaviour, with some developing rapidly and others remaining slow-growing, with minimal or no treatment required.
Prostate cancer concerns the gland approximately the size of a walnut, located just beneath the bladder in the pelvis. This gland surrounds the urethra, the tube responsible for taking urine out of the body via the penis. The abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells associated with prostate cancer develops slowly. Some people never develop any problems while other cases can be extremely aggressive and potentially life-threatening.
Treatments available for prostate cancer depend upon the severity of individual cases. For those at an early stage, where the cancer is not rapidly growing or causing noticeable symptoms, it may be possible to observe or monitor the cancer closely. Surgery, radiotherapy or hormone therapy can also be employed for suitable candidates. Alternatively, some forms of prostate cancers can be eradicated by extreme cold (cryotherapy) or high-intensity focused ultrasound.
Prostate cancer is most common among men over the age of 75, with cases being rare in those under the age of 50. Around one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with black men reported to be particularly at risk. Those with a family history of prostate cancer are considered to be at slightly increased risk. Concerned individuals are encouraged to contact their GP or make use of Prostate Cancer UK’s 30-second online risk check. Symptoms of prostate cancer can include needing to urinate frequently – particularly at night, difficulty starting to urinate with a weak flow, and the presence of blood in urine or semen. It is important to have any changes checked by a doctor, with further diagnostic assessments including prostate-specific antigen blood tests and scans, and biopsies taken for laboratory examination
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