Community interventions for prostate cancer

Cancer in the prostate gland is the most common cancer among men in the UK, with 47 000 men being diagnosed every year (Clinical Services Journal, 2019). It develops gradually and usually has no signs or symptoms for many years, sometimes even decades (NHS, 2018).

Diagnosis can therefore be delayed, and treatment is often not immediately necessary (NHS, 2018). Once the prostate has enlarged enough for symptoms to manifest, patients may notice signs such as an increased urge to urinate, straining while urinating or a feeling that the bladder has not been fully emptied (NHS, 2018) (Figure 1). These symptoms do not necessarily mean that the person has prostate cancer, as prostate enlargement itself can cause these symptoms. However, they should not be ignored, as early-stage prostate cancer can be cured, for example, by removing the prostate gland or via radiotherapy, either as a standalone treatment or alongside hormone therapy (NHS, 2018).