BBC Outnumbered star Hugh Dennis is sending out a message over prostate cancer. It comes after a Christmas special of the show revealed that Pete, the character he plays, has the condition.
Prostate cancer usually develops slowly – meaning there may be no symptoms for years. You may start to notice signs once the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra).
It is key to know the signs and symptoms so you can get it checked out as soon as possible. You can also check your risk of the disease in 30 seconds using a tool on Prostate Cancer UK’s website.
Hugh is urging people to do the quick check following the Christmas 2024 special which aired last night (December 26). The comedian, 62, appeared in a video for Prostate Cancer UK, urging viewers to do so after his character, Pete, was revealed to have the cancer.
What is the prostate?
As explained by the NHS, “the prostate is a small gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system.” It is the size of a walnut and found between the penis and the bladder, and surrounds the urethra.
It’s main function is to produce a thick white fluid that creates semen when mixed with the sperm produced by the testicles.
What causes prostate cancer?
1 in 8 men get prostate cancer. The cause is unknown.
However, we do know that your chances of developing prostate cancer increase as you get older, with many cases seen in men who are above the age of 50.
The health service notes that whilst it’s not known why, research has shown it’s more common in black men and less common in Asian men. If you have a family history of it, this may increase your risk too, with obesity also a risk factor.
What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?
- needing to pee more frequently, often during the night
- needing to rush to the toilet
- difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)
- straining or taking a long time while peeing
- weak flow
- feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
- blood in urine or blood in semen
Whilst these symptoms don’t mean you have cancer, it’s worth getting checked out. This is especially so if you have bone and back pain, a loss of appetite, pain in the testicles or unintentional weight loss, as it could mean the cancer has spread.
Can prostate cancer be prevented?
Prostate cancer is not always life-threatening. But when it is, the earlier you catch it the more likely it is to be cured, warns Prostate Cancer UK.
When it comes to preventing the disease, the organisation says that while there’s no straight answer on how to prevent it, “a healthy lifestyle may be important.”
They explain: “Being overweight may increase your risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer that’s aggressive (more likely to spread) or advanced (cancer that has spread outside the prostate). Eating healthily and keeping active can help you stay a healthy weight.”