Information on Loughborough

Loughborough MP Backs Calls for Prostate Cancer Awareness

Posted on 02/03/2010
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Loughborough MP Andy Reed is backing plans by NHS Leicestershire and Rutland to encourage men with problems peeing to get checked out by their doctor, as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month begins.

NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland is hoping the event during March will encourage more men to be prostate aware and to seek help with any problems earlier, instead of ignoring them.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, as well as across Leicestershire and Rutland. There are 464 new cases* diagnosed each year in the two counties and 124 deaths** per year.

The prostate gland’s main function is to help in the production of semen and it is located between the penis and the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the penis.

Prostate cancer may not have any symptoms until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the urethra, which can cause:

• The need to urinate suddenly or frequently, especially during the night

• Pain during urination

• Weak and irregular urine flow

• Trouble starting to urinate

• Feeling your bladder is not empty afterwards

• Less commonly, blood in your urine

Reed stated “this is a really important campaign that the local NHS is undertaking and I believe that men should avail themselves of the opportunity if they feel their health circumstances are appropriate”.

For more information on prostate cancer visit NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk