What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis, found
only in men.
It is located in front of the rectum, under the
urinary bladder, and it surrounds the urethra.
It produces prostatic fluid which is an important
component of semen.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The development of malignancy in the prostate, is known as prostate cancer. It is a common cancer in men, particularly in those aged over 50.
Local Statistics
In 2020 there were 336 new cases and 53 deaths related to prostate cancer in Malta.
Symptoms
Symptoms may not occur in its early stages, but they tend to show when the prostate cancer is large enough to affect the urethra, which transports urine from the bladder out of the body.
Some of the most noticeable symptoms include:
Increased need to urinate
Difficulty urinating
Blood in the urine and/or semen
Getting Tested
It is important to attend regular check-ups as instructed by your medical doctor, particularly when older than 50.
A digital rectal examination is often performed to assess the presence of prostate cancer. During this examination the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to feel for lumps, enlargements, or areas of hardness. This brief and mildly uncomfortable procedure could potentially allow for the cancer’s early identification.
Written by: Miguel Sammut & Malcolm Camilleri