Prostate cancer v breast cancer.

[Tashyboy]

Prostate cancer has now got the unwanted tag of overtaking breast cancer as the third biggest cancer killer behind bowel and lung.
Over all there has been a % drop in both breast and Prostate deaths but there are now suggestions that as Prostate receives only half the funding of what Breast cancer receives, said funding for Prostate cancer should be increased. It is also said that prostate treatment is 10 years behind Breast treatment.
Now am not in any way shape or form suggesting that funding for other cancers should be diverted to the Prostate cause. But if funding was increased, it would have to come from somewhere, and knowing the current owners of the purse strings, something else would have to lose out.
It does also suggest in said report that men are still embarrassed about going to see there doctors, knowing full well they will have to lay on there side and have a finger up there Jacksy. If that is the case, wel let me say that a very good friend of mine who is also on a diet and has facial hair, has had it done and his prostate is fine
So, if you are embarrassed, get it checked out. The sooner the better.
All the best
Tash.

PS, thoughts go out to all who have suffered.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Prostate cancer has now got the unwanted tag of overtaking breast cancer as the third biggest cancer killer behind bowel and lung.
Over all there has been a % drop in both breast and Prostate deaths but there are now suggestions that as Prostate receives only half the funding of what Breast cancer receives, said funding for Prostate cancer should be increased. It is also said that prostate treatment is 10 years behind Breast treatment.
Now am not in any way shape or form suggesting that funding for other cancers should be diverted to the Prostate cause. But if funding was increased, it would have to come from somewhere, and knowing the current owners of the purse strings, something else would have to lose out.
It does also suggest in said report that men are still embarrassed about going to see there doctors, knowing full well they will have to lay on there side and have a finger up there Jacksy. If that is the case, wel let me say that a very good friend of mine who is also on a diet and has facial hair, has had it done and his prostate is fine
So, if you are embarrassed, get it checked out. The sooner the better.
All the best
Tash.

PS, thoughts go out to all who have suffered.

Agreed, but do know how hard it is to get through to the doctor receptionist let alone actually make an advance booking?
Is it any wonder men don’t get checked?

 

[jim8flog]

I cannot understand why men are worried about a well vaselined finger being inserted just a short distance inside.

I can say from experience of the examination

IT DOES NOT HURT.

 

[Kellfire]

I cannot understand why men are worried about a well vaselined finger being inserted just a short distance inside.

I can say from experience of the examination

IT DOES NOT HURT.

It is incredibly uncomfortable for some people - people have different anatomies.

 

[Scoobiesnax]

Slightly different occurrence but an anal insertion none the less. I had hemorrhoids banded about 15 years ago (was only early 20s) and that was the most uncomfortable thing I have ever experience (apart from maybe taking a massive dump!). I can see how men can discourage themselves to get an examination - I got this done because I had a problem that was irritating as feck; however, I did feel embarrassed as there was a female in the room at the time. Laughed and joked about it after with said female - exclaiming that I learned one thing on a very non PC topic!!

 

[Hobbit]

I cannot understand why men are worried about a well vaselined finger being inserted just a short distance inside.

I can say from experience of the examination

IT DOES NOT HURT.

It bloody well does if they're checking for appendicitis.

However, totally agree that it doesn't hurt otherwise. 2 days ago I had the pleasure of having something unpleasant done. Wheeled into theatre with just a gown on. Theatre sister started talking about patient dignity and keeping the sheet strategically placed. I told her I'd left my dignity parked at the door, and just get on with it.

When the discussion moved onto the current super blue moon I said I can't believe they were having that discussion whilst my rear was pointed at them.

From my own recent experiences; when you feel a change in your body go to the docs. Don't put it off. Don't be all macho. Don't be embarrassed. The sooner you go, the better the chances are for a positive outcome.

I recognised something wasn't right late October, and went to the docs straight away. A couple of weeks later I had the first prod and poke, and then the word no one wants to hear. After a missed appointment, wrong address, and the next appointment being pushed back a couple of weeks due to the flu crisis, I enjoyed an hour in theatre. Now I just have a 2 week wait for the all clear. Doc said I'd made his job easy by going in as soon as I felt something was wrong. He had less to takeaway, and with a high probability that it hadn't spread.

Listen to your body. It tells you when it isn't happy.

And whatever you do, don't not tell your better half for over two months, not wanting them to fuss or worry. Believe me, I'm in major do-do's for that.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I think women have run a fantastic PR campaign over the last 20 years that has brought Breast Cancer to the forefront of people's minds. They have removed any stigma and raised money quite brilliantly. They have "pushed" donations, fundraising etc into breast cancer research and screening. Well done them.

Men now need to get into gear and do the same. Football and Sky have taken up the challenge, note the little men badges they wear on Soccer Saturday, and we need to shout and demand for our share of the pie. Unfortunately those who shout loudest tend to get the funds and men need to raise their voices. If we say nothing then money will not suddenly move into Prostrate cancer research, care, screening etc.

Regarding the examination, there is a history of bowel cancer in the men in my family so I have been checked a few times. Not fun, yes embarrassing but you soon laugh about it. Lying on your side with 5 female nurses and doctors looking at a tv screen showing a tube up your backside is something you just have to laugh about and you soon realise that this is something they do every day and you are not exceptional. Better than the alternative.

 

[Hobbit]

Touching on funding; if "we" want funding but don't want it taken from other areas there is always the opportunity to increase income tax. I would happily pay more tax if it could be guaranteed to go to the NHS... all it needs is one of the political parties to be honest. "The NHS needs 'x'. The current difference in funding is 'y'. If we raise income tax to 'z' it will cover all the shortfall and fund increases in research and medical care."

Not a hard circle to square is it?

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Touching on funding; if "we" want funding but don't want it taken from other areas there is always the opportunity to increase income tax. I would happily pay more tax if it could be guaranteed to go to the NHS... all it needs is one of the political parties to be honest. "The NHS needs 'x'. The current difference in funding is 'y'. If we raise income tax to 'z' it will cover all the shortfall and fund increases in research and medical care."

Not a hard circle to square is it?

It's not but then there is money spent in areas of the NHS that I disagree with, money wasted on inefficiencies. It needs more in some very key areas and I would happily pay more for that but who decides those areas?

 

[Khamelion]

Agreed, but do know how hard it is to get through to the doctor receptionist let alone actually make an advance booking?
Is it any wonder men don’t get checked?

It's easy, you say to the receptionist:-

Me - I'd like an appointment with the Dr

Rec - What is the problem?

Me - I have a pain in my left testicle

Rec - is 09:30hrs today okay for you

Me - Yes, thank you very much.

Putting it very bluntly, if you have an ache or pain where you shouldn't go see about it, if the place on your body is intimate, go see about it.

Would you rather die of embarrassment, or get what ails you looked at?

 

[Rooter]

BREAKING NEWS!! They dont even stick a finger up your ass to get it checked, Its checked by blood test!!! No excuses!!!

This is coming from someone with a bowel disease who has something shoved up his arse at least once a month, usually a gopro camera (maybe its smaller, but it certainly feels like a gopro!)

 

[Beezerk]

BREAKING NEWS!! They dont even stick a finger up your ass to get it checked, Its checked by blood test!!! No excuses!!!

Isn't the initial test a blood test, then if that comes back positive they do an electronic inspection?
That's what the doctor said on Radio 5 this morning anyway, quite what the electronic inspection is though is a mystery.

 

[Khamelion]

BREAKING NEWS!! They dont even stick a finger up your ass to get it checked, Its checked by blood test!!! No excuses!!!

This is coming from someone with a bowel disease who has something shoved up his arse at least once a month, usually a gopro camera (maybe its smaller, but it certainly feels like a gopro!)

I had a 'well man' check a couple of years ago where they took bloods and did the various tests, but because my dad has prostate cancer, they did they checks on me early. Men don't generally get checked for prostate cancer until after they are 50yrs old, or that's what the nurse told me, unless there is a reason like you dad having it and even then you have to ask.

 

[Rooter]

Isn't the initial test a blood test, then if that comes back positive they do an electronic inspection?
That's what the doctor said on Radio 5 this morning anyway, quite what the electronic inspection is though is a mystery.

I believe the initial is a blood test, if it flags you may be at risk, then a finger up your arse is the least of your worries.

When i first got diagnosed with gut problems, they checked mine physically,my doc is 6ft 4 rugby player with hands the size of my head. He didn't even engage in any foreplay!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

When i first got diagnosed with gut problems, they checked mine physically,my doc is 6ft 4 rugby player with hands the size of my head. He didn't even engage in any foreplay!

I'm changing my thinking now. Every visit I have had I have seen a female doctor. Perhaps I should be grateful for her petite hands rather than feel embarrassed .

 

[Robster59]

I would agree that, whatever the discomfort or embarrassment, it's a damn sight better than the consequences of not doing it.
I've just received my biennial poo check kit. Such fun but I'm going to do it and return it as knowing that if anything is discovered, the chance of it being fixed is better than not knowing and still having the problem.
In terms of funding, I deal with the NHS and Cancer charities a lot in my role. The NHS has hard working people who are woefully underfunded and the money that is wasted in admin, bad design and NHS PFI costs is frightening. Costs of modern equipment is also expensive.
However the methods of analysis are moving on apace. Greater strides forward are happening now at any time than before but Cancer is a tricky beast as its far more complex than people think. But improvements are being made. However, everybody needs to be proactive and as has been said above, see your doctor if you have anything that concerns you. You think you're embarrassed. Think of it from their point of view .

 

[Tashyboy]

It bloody well does if they're checking for appendicitis.

However, totally agree that it doesn't hurt otherwise. 2 days ago I had the pleasure of having something unpleasant done. Wheeled into theatre with just a gown on. Theatre sister started talking about patient dignity and keeping the sheet strategically placed. I told her I'd left my dignity parked at the door, and just get on with it.

When the discussion moved onto the current super blue moon I said I can't believe they were having that discussion whilst my rear was pointed at them.

From my own recent experiences; when you feel a change in your body go to the docs. Don't put it off. Don't be all macho. Don't be embarrassed. The sooner you go, the better the chances are for a positive outcome.

I recognised something wasn't right late October, and went to the docs straight away. A couple of weeks later I had the first prod and poke, and then the word no one wants to hear. After a missed appointment, wrong address, and the next appointment being pushed back a couple of weeks due to the flu crisis, I enjoyed an hour in theatre. Now I just have a 2 week wait for the all clear. Doc said I'd made his job easy by going in as soon as I felt something was wrong. He had less to takeaway, and with a high probability that it hadn't spread.

Listen to your body. It tells you when it isn't happy.

And whatever you do, don't not tell your better half for over two months, not wanting them to fuss or worry. Believe me, I'm in major do-do's for that.

Not exactly sure what the cure for do-do's is hobbit me man. Ave a feeling it could be expensive. Can understand where she is coming from though. Part of the journey walking in hand in with Missis T is the highs and the lows together. Let's just say in relation to this topic, things are low for Missis T at the moment and if she had not said owt the crap would of hit the fan. A problem shared and all that 👍

 

[Rooter]

From my own recent experiences; when you feel a change in your body go to the docs. Don't put it off. Don't be all macho. Don't be embarrassed. The sooner you go, the better the chances are for a positive outcome.

Absolutely! Sorry if its gross, but i was crapping blood for 6 months before i told anyone! Just played the Man card and assumed it would go away, what a silly boy! Thought i had bowel cancer, everything is much clearer when the experts know and put a plan in place!! Just suck it up and go! Doctors see a lot worse than your arse or you hairy ball bag, they don't care, much happier you are actually there!

 

[Kellfire]

Quite often the initial test is a blood test which checks the level of PSA which is an indicator of the activity of your prostate. If that is elevated they'll sometimes take a biopsy from your prostate which is usually take via your rectum (guided by ultrasound) or sometimes by a needle through your perineum - often benign prostatic hypertrophy (aka NOT CANCER) causes the elevation but even this condition can cause men to go into retention and need some of their prostate resected.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

I would agree that, whatever the discomfort or embarrassment, it's a damn sight better than the consequences of not doing it.
I've just received my biennial poo check kit. Such fun but I'm going to do it and return it as knowing that if anything is discovered, the chance of it being fixed is better than not knowing and still having the problem.
In terms of funding, I deal with the NHS and Cancer charities a lot in my role. The NHS has hard working people who are woefully underfunded and the money that is wasted in admin, bad design and NHS PFI costs is frightening. Costs of modern equipment is also expensive.
However the methods of analysis are moving on apace. Greater strides forward are happening now at any time than before but Cancer is a tricky beast as its far more complex than people think. But improvements are being made. However, everybody needs to be proactive and as has been said above, see your doctor if you have anything that concerns you. You think you're embarrassed. Think of it from their point of view .

Lucky you live in Scotland where they check from 50-74 years old.
My wife's Essex relative had his first check at 60 to discover sadly that he had advanced bowel cancer.

By the way the prostate test is nae bother.
Mind you I found it funny when the young male doctor told me he could not insert his finger without a chaperone. He leaves the room and comes back with an attractive young nurse.