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Embarrassing Bodies , 7:00pm Sunday 21st March 2010 on Channel 4. Catch up for free »

Conditions

Prostate Cancer

A microscopic view of prostate cancer cells (Photo courtesy of NCI - Online Otis Brawley)

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, responsible for approximately 9,000 deaths in England and Wales every year. However, as the causes of the disease are largely unknown, the cancer is as mysterious as the gland itself, which is unique to men and assumed by many to regulate the flow of urine, but is actually part of the male reproductive system (sometimes delightfully referred to as the ‘Secret Sex Gland’!) The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age (70% of all cases occur in men over the age of 65), whilst diet and ethnicity can also play a role. So, if you have any issues with peeing (such as pain or a weak and irregular flow), or find that the best exercise you’re getting is the several times a night you’re having to throw back the bed covers to nip down the hallway to the toilet, then make an appointment to see your GP.

Comments and Questions

The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

I am a 45 year old man and have a constant urge to go to the toilet quite frequently in the middle of the night and especially after having a drink. Sometimes I cannot control it in which is now becoming embarrassing and now I have started to get a dull ache down below in which is concerning me. Should I see my GP as soon as possible ? Do you think it maybe an infection ?





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my husband was diagnosed with advanced postate cancer last year aged 41 he had no symptoms just got tested for no reason really and its lucky he did otherwise he was told he would of had 18months to live if he hadnt been tested he had it robotically removed and is now on the mend so younger men can be affected





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Hi,im 49 years old and recently i got terrible pain in my lower back,went to the doctors who referred me to have physio,my first app is this wednesday,however over the weekend ive been having pain in my stomach and lower down...well maybe a dull ache,but my back is the worst,when i get up in the morning,like it as sieged up, im fairly fit,can you give me any advise. Many Thanx.





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hi doctor im 51 and i have the constant need to go to the toilet all the time and its not just to urinate and i was wondering if you could give me some advice thanks and i have no urge to have sex either





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my penis is shrinking inside my body i carnt get an erection theres no urge i have a pain seldom in my left side groin my doctor said its my weight i am 22 an a half stone also when i press above my navel i also have a sharp pain can you help





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Hey last year i got a bladder infection and ever since i have to use the toilet quite regular, the urge to use the toilet comes on stronger when out in public but when do get to a toilet its only a little amount, but when at home i wont go for 4 to 5 hours.I also found a lump in my right testicle which got checked and was told its a swollen gland could this have an affect on the above situation If you could tell me what this could be would be very appreciated





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I'm 41 and wonder if I'm on the brink of having future prostate problems. When I pee the flow isn't always the fastest and wonder if my prostate is already slightly enlarged. My father is awaiting test results on a prostate biopsy.





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I'm a 35 year old man. I have had trouble for the last 5 years when it comes to passing water. I tend to go quite a lot of times to the toilet to do this. This makes me think that it could be a restriction to my flow due to Prostate troubles? I also find that on weekdays when I don’t drink any alcohol, this is much worse, with about half a cup full of urine that tends to leek into my pants & trousers. I put this down to the fact that when I'm drinking on a weekend I must be more dehydrated than on a non drinking week day. Recently though I have started with a dull acing pain in my left Tactical. What do you think?





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he Doctor , thanks for your good comments . Im a 21 years old man . One of my testicle is getting bigger and the other getting smaller . Or actually it might be just one of them is getting bigger nd i feel the other smaller . Should I see a doctor or it is normel ?





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i would like to thank your production of this programme..to cut a long story short if it was not for your progreamme my father would NEVER have went to the doctors as he has only went twice in 35 year ..my father has just been diagnosed with prostrate cancer aged 64 and is now getting dealt with...so again THANK YOU





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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