BMI Healthcare supports National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Two thirds of men who have an increased risk of prostate cancer are not aware that a simple blood test, the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, can give an early indication of the disease which kills one man every hour in the UK.
Recent research conducted by BMI Healthcare has also found that in London 58 per cent of men are unaware of the common symptoms of prostate cancer. The worst performing London Borough was Sutton with 79 per cent of men unaware of the common symptoms while Ealing faired best with just 36 per cent of men being unaware.
To tackle this lack of awareness, throughout March in support of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, BMI Healthcare’s London hospital are offering London men the chance to visit their local participating BMI hospitals for a free consultation to find out more about the disease.
Consultants at the hospitals will be offering free PSA tests and mini consultations to local residents between March and April.
The appointments, which have to be booked in advance, will include an examination by a consultant urologist, a PSA test and an explanation of the results. During the appointment the consultant will offer advice and information on the common symptoms of the disease and be able to answer any questions the patient may have.
Those eligible for a free consultation and PSA test, should be male and aged 45 years or over.
To book an appointment at your local BMI Healthcare Hospital please see below for the contact details of your nearest BMI hospital. Please note that appointments are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.
East London & Essex
BMI The London Independent Hospital in Tower Hamlets Call: 0207 780 2503.
South London & Surrey
BMI The Blackheath Hospital, in Lewisham Call: 0800 015 1809
BMI Coombe Wing, in Kingston Call: 020 8546 6677
West London
BMI Syon Clinic, in Hounslow Call: 0808 101 0344
North London
BMI The Garden Hospital, in Hendon Call: 0800 0962254
BMI The Clementine Churchill Hospital, in Harrow Call: 0808 101 0344
BMI Bishops Wood Hospital, in Hillingdon Call: 0800 0962254
BMI The Kings Oak Hospital, in Enfield Call: 0800 0962254
Talking on the need for increased awareness around the symptoms of prostate cancer Consultant Urologist Mr Shri Shridhar at BMI Healthcare explains, “Every day I see the effect prostate cancer can have on men and their families. Diagnosing the disease early is crucial in improving a patient’s outcomes and chances for survival. That is why we are urging men to educate themselves and be aware of the common symptoms of prostate cancer.”
The common symptoms of prostate cancer include:
Difficulty when starting to pass urine
A weak or dribbling urine flow
Stopping and starting while passing urine
Passing urine more often or at night
Discomfort - including pain or burning while passing urine,
The feeling that your bladder has not emptied properly
Blood in urine or in semen
Erectile dysfunction
Painful testicles
New pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis.
“If men suffer from any combination of these symptoms, are over 60 years of age, have a family history of the disease or have any concerns, they should consult their GP or seek advice from a specialist immediately, Mr Shridhar concludes.”
Kirsty Baker, Executive Director at BMI The London Independent Hospital, one of the hospital involved in the campaign, comments, “37,000 men are diagnosed with this disease every year in the UK yet over 70 per cent of adults in the UK have no knowledge of the common symptoms and treatment of prostate cancer. We hope that through this awareness campaign, men will develop a better understanding of the signs and the preventative measures that can be taken to ensure they are not at risk. This disease is the most common form of cancer in men and we hope that through better education and awareness more men will be diagnosed and treated at an earlier stage.”
For more information on the urology services available at BMI Healthcare, visit bmihealthcare.co.uk.
For more information about Prostate Cancer Awareness Month campaign, visit prostate-cancer.org.uk.