Men's Health
On average, men go to their GP half as often as women. It's important to be aware of changes to your health, and to see your GP immediately if you notice something that's not right.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. It usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years.
Symptoms of prostate cancer do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra).
When this happens, you may notice things like:
- An increased need to pee
- Straining while you pee
- A feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied
These symptoms aren't always caused by prostate cancer but if you have them, see your GP.
Testicular Cancer
Cancer of the testicle is 1 of the less common cancers, and tends to mostly affect men between 15 and 49 years of age. With 2,300 new cases being diagnosed each year, this makes it the biggest cause of cancer related death in 15 - 35 year-old males. It accounts for around 70 deaths a year within the UK alone. The most common symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a pea-sized lump in one of the testes (balls). There is no current screening test therefore it is important that you look out for the following signs and symptoms:
- A painless swelling or lump in one of the testicles or any change in shape or texture of the testicles
- An increase in the firmness of a testicle
- A difference in appearance between one testicle and the other
- A dull ache or sharp pain in your testicles or scrotum, which may come and go
- A feeling of heaviness in your scrotum
- A dull ache in your lower abdomen
- A sudden collection of fluid in your scrotum
- Fatigue and generally feeling unwell
If you do have any of these symptoms, please see your GP.