MEN in the Chester area have been urged to be aware of potential warning signs of prostate cancer after new figures showed a significant drop in hospital referrals.
The Countess of Chester Hospital, which covers Chester, Ellesmere Port and Deeside, has seen a 25 percent decrease in referrals for urological cancers over the past two years.
Figures obtained via the Proton Therapy Center, as part of nationwide research into NHS urological cancer referrals, including those for prostate cancer, show that there were 1,178 referrals at the hospital in 2019, this number dropped to 1,050 in 2020 and dropped again (to 894 ) in 2021.
Dr Jiri Kubes, medical director and leading oncologist at the Proton Therapy Center facility in Prague, Czech Republic, believes there are a number of reasons for the decrease.
Dr Kubes said: “The pandemic raised a lot of issues for healthcare providers. There was a tremendous strain to keep up with Covid cases, while trying to maintain its usual patient care.
“There was also a misunderstanding that you couldn’t get an appointment with your GP, which may have led men to avoid getting checks for an array of health issues.”
It’s estimated that one in eight men in the UK will get prostate cancer in their lifetime so having regular checks is vital.
NHS waiting times hit a record high earlier this year with 6.4million people on hold for hospital treatment in the UK.
Analysis from the House of Commons stated that half a million people in England with suspected cancer will have to wait longer than the supposed two-week maximum to see an oncologist.
Dr Kubes added: “Men might feel awkward having an intimate examination but they need not worry. The appointment only lasts a few minutes and it could save their life.”
Once a man reaches the age of 40, it is recommended they have a prostate examination with his doctor every one or two years, depending on the level of risk.
“Living with suspected cancer can be a nightmare for patients, the not knowing and feeling you’re losing time to get treated.
“But it’s frightening to think that people are falling through the gaps and this drop in referrals heightens this fear.”
Dr Kubes facility specializes in a pioneering ‘pencil beam’ technology to treat hundreds of British prostate cancer patients each year. The center states that the high-charged protons which they direct at the cancer reduces the damage to surrounding tissues and organs.
Whilst many prostate cancers cases can be symptomless at first, changes in toilet habits, such as an increased need to urinate, or trouble passing urine, can be an early indicator of the disease.
Anyone who has noticed symptoms or changes to the pelvic region should visit their GP as soon as possible.
Tests for prostate cancer aim to find the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood, but there are some concerns about the accuracy of these tests can provide.
NHS bosses have previously said they have not introduced a screening program for the disease as it has not been proven the benefits would outweigh the negatives.
Prostate Cancer UK launched a new 30-second online risk checker which anyone can complete online. There is advice for intersex individuals and trans women too.
