Two Radiological Explosions That Curb Prostate Cancer Could Extend Thousands of Lives

How many people is he killing?

Prostate cancer has become a more deadly than bad cancer for the first time, official statistics revealed earlier this year.

More than 11,800 men a year – or one every 45 minutes – are now killed by the disease in Britain, compared to about 11,400 women dying from bad cancer.

This means that prostate cancer is behind the lungs and intestines in terms of the number of people that it kills in Britain. In the United States, the disease kills 26,000 people each year.

Despite this, it receives less than half of funding for bad cancer research, while treatments for the disease have taken at least a decade behind schedule.

How long does it develop?

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there is no sign that someone has it for many years, according to the NHS.

If the cancer is at an early stage and does not cause symptoms, a "watchful waiting" or "active surveillance" policy can be adopted.

Some patients can be cured if the disease is treated at an early stage.

But if he is diagnosed at a later stage, when he has spread, he then becomes terminally ill and the treatment relies on symptom relief.

Thousands of men are put off by the search for a diagnosis because of the known side effects of the treatment, including erectile dysfunction.

Tests and treatment

Prostate cancer screening tests are random and specific tools are just beginning to emerge.

There is no national prostate screening program because, for years, tests have been too imprecise.

Doctors have difficulty distinguishing between aggressive and less severe tumors, making it difficult to choose treatment.

Men over 50 are eligible for a "PSA" blood test that gives doctors a rough idea of ​​a patient's risk.

But it is not reliable. Patients who test positive usually receive a biopsy that is not foolproof either.

Scientists do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer, but age, obesity, and lack of exercise are known risks.

Anyone with concerns can speak to Prostate Cancer UK's registered nurses on 0800 074 8383 or visit prostatecanceruk.org