Rod Stewart's Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Signs and Symptoms

Sir Rod Stewart revealed that he was now totally free of prostate cancer after having fought the disease in secret for about two years.

The 74-year-old "Maggie May" singer was diagnosed with the condition in 2017 during a routine check, but the author gave her the green light in July of this year.

He decided to speak openly about his diagnosis and subsequent treatment at a fundraising event for the Charity Project Prostate Project and European Tour Foundation in Surrey this weekend.

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"Two years ago, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer," he told the audience, according to the report. Daily Mirror. "Nobody knows, but I thought it was about time to tell everyone.

"I'm clear now, just because I caught him early. I have so many tests. "

The rock legend urged other men to be examined earlier.

"Guys, you really have to go to the doctor," he told the men in attendance. "Finger up the bum, no harm is done."

What is prostate cancer?

According to Prostate Cancer UK, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, and it is estimated that in 2030, prostate cancer will be the most frequently diagnosed cancer.

A prostate cancer will be diagnosed in one in eight men during his lifetime, but this figure increases to one in four for black men.

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More than 11,500 men die each year from prostate cancer in the United Kingdom, one man every 45 minutes.

"Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the UK," says Paul Erotocritou, consulting urologist at BMI King's Oak Hospital in North London.

"Most cases develop in men over the age of 65, although younger men may also develop prostate cancer."

Although it is unclear exactly what causes prostate cancer, Erotocritou explains that this condition is more common among Afro-Caribbean and African men, less common among Asian men and men with a loved one. parent who have it are slightly more likely to get themselves.

What is the prostate?

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Prostate Cancer UK explains that the prostate is a gland and that its job is mainly to produce semen.

It is about the size and shape of a nut. It is under the bladder and surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body.

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What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Because prostate cancer tends to develop slowly, its symptoms may not appear for several years and never cause problems in your life, says Erotocritou.

"However, some men have more aggressive cancer. This will require treatment to stop the disease or at least delay the spread of cancer outside the prostate, "he says.

According to Erotocritou, the signs of prostate cancer often become noticeable only when the prostate is dilated enough to touch the urethra – the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the penis.

"This means that you may notice an increased need or effort to urinate, then a feeling that your bladder is not draining properly," he explains.

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But these signs do not mean that you have prostate cancer.

"They could be caused by something else, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – where the prostate is hypertrophied but not affected by cancer."

For some men, the first symptoms of prostate cancer are those that spread beyond the prostate to the bones.

"It can cause symptoms such as back, hip or pelvic pain – but again, it could be due to mild conditions such as arthritis," says Erotocritou.

Whatever pain, discomfort or symptoms you feel, it is always best to discuss it with your general practitioner.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

According to Prostate Cancer UK, men need to know if they are at a higher risk for prostate cancer and, if so, consider talking to their doctor.

As we have already explained, prostate cancer often has no symptoms. You should not wait to see the changes before acting.

Prostate cancer mainly affects men over 50 and your risk increases with age. But the risk is higher in black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer.

They may want to talk about their PSA test to their GP from age 45.

It is important to note that anyone with a prostate can have prostate cancer.

The following people have a prostate

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Mr. Erotocritou says that your doctor could use a number of tests.

"A prostate specific antigen (PSA) test detects whether there is an increase in PSA protein in the blood that could indicate prostate cancer," he says.

"There is also a urine test to determine if an enlarged prostate is actually an inflammation of the gland.

"Your doctor may also be able to feel an enlarged prostate through the lining of the intestine."

Other hospital tests may include more advanced tests such as a prostate biopsy, an MRI, a computed tomography or ultrasound scan, or a prostate mapping.

In June, scientists revealed that men may soon be offered a new prostate cancer test, which could detect whether they are at risk of developing a dangerous form of the disease.

Experts say that men could be offered a scan between 55 and 60 years old and enjoy a "peace of mind" all their life.

The 10-minute analysis, which could be deployed in supermarkets and shopping centers, detects dangerous cancers years before they cause damage, while ignoring the growths that do not pose a threat.

Treatments for prostate cancer

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you should consider several treatments, ranging from slow-spread cancer monitoring to radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or gland clearance.

"It's best to discuss treatments and side effects with your doctor," says Erotocritou.

A new treatment called Rezum is also being tested in a West Sussex hospital.

"This uses steam to reduce excessive growth of the prostate and dramatically reduces the side effects of impotence and incontinence that are sometimes associated with more traditional surgery," says Simon Woodhams. Consultant urologist at the BMI Goring Hall Hospital in West Sussex.

The procedure is performed by a consultant urologist who uses a portable device to administer small injections of steam through the water line (urethra) into the surrounding prostatic tissue.

"It helps to reduce the size of the gland by causing the death of obstructive prostate tissue," says Woodhams.

Anyone who is concerned about prostate cancer can contact Prostate Cancer UK's registered nurses on 0800 074 8383 or online via the live chat service: www.prostatecanceruk.org.

The specialized nurse's telephone service is free to landlines and is open from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and until 9pm on Wednesdays.