Dermot Murnaghan, a former Sky News and BBC presenter, recently shared his stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis. He advised men over 50 to proactively get screened for early detection.
On social media, he reported stable health and positive response to treatment, despite the cancer's spread. Murnaghan emphasized the crucial role of early detection, especially for those at high risk or experiencing symptoms.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with over 52,000 cases annually. In the US, it affects over 300,000 men and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths after lung cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 1.4 million new cases and over 375,000 deaths globally each year.
According to GLOBOCAN 2020 (WHO's global cancer database), prostate cancer is the 11th most common cancer in Vietnamese men, with about 2,200 new cases annually, accounting for 2.9% of all male cancer cases.
Doctors warn that prostate cancer often progresses silently and is difficult to detect. Some symptoms include unusual urination patterns: frequent urges, difficulty starting, weak stream, interrupted flow, feeling of incomplete emptying, or blood in urine or semen.
These symptoms are easily mistaken for age-related or infection-related urinary issues, leading many to dismiss them and miss early detection opportunities.
Many patients are diagnosed incidentally during check-ups for other reasons or in later stages, when the cancer has spread and causes severe symptoms. Therefore, experts recommend addressing any changes in urination habits, however small.
As the disease progresses, patients may experience bone pain, back pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, or testicular pain. Sometimes, there are no noticeable symptoms until the advanced stages.
The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test can help detect abnormalities. While not definitively diagnostic of cancer, PSA combined with clinical symptoms and physical examination provides effective screening. Men over 50 should proactively undergo PSA testing at medical facilities.
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Illustration of prostate cancer. Photo: BioWorld |
Illustration of prostate cancer. Photo: BioWorld
Doctor Marc Lucky, a prostate surgery specialist in Liverpool, also recommends PSA testing for anyone over 45 with concerns. Abnormal results will lead to specialized examinations.
Earlier this year, cyclist Sir Chris Hoy announced his late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis despite having no prior symptoms. This case raised public awareness in the UK, prompting calls for expanded prostate cancer screening programs similar to those for breast and bowel cancer.
Both Chris Hoy and Dermot Murnaghan are actively involved in awareness campaigns and fundraising for patient support.
Experts say early detection allows for curative treatment through surgery or radiation therapy. When the cancer has spread, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and prolonging life.
Thuc Linh (Adapted from Daily Mail)
