New 'grading system' to help treat prostate cancer

  • Video report by ITV News Anglia's Claire McGlasson

One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime.

It is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with more than 40,000 new cases diagnosed every year and around 11,000 men now dying from it in the UK every year.

Stephen Fry, newsreader Bill Turnbull and darts champion Martin "Wolfie" Adams have all spoken in recent weeks about their diagnoses.

The message that every man, and every experience is different.

Surgery can be used to treat the tumours in some cases but the side-effects can prove to be worse than the symptoms.

Now a new grading system is helping patients to decide whether to opt for treatment.

It was developed using a study of men in East Anglia and is now being rolled out internationally.

Over 40,000 men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK.

Jack Jones was told he had prostate three years ago. Thankfully a less aggressive form, unlikely to kill him.

He was advised by doctors that the side-effects of surgery could be worse than his symptoms.

"My main concern was really not about the cancer", Jack said.

"I just very much wanted to stay fit and active. I've got two wonderful grandchildren. Two lovely daughters and a wife and they all need my support. I'm the centre of the family and to suddenly stop that was really worrying me."

Thanks to a study of patients across East Anglia, a new grading system is arming patients with data about the grade and spread of their cancer, and how their life expectancy might be affected.

Men over 50 have a 1 in 8 chance of developing prostate cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?

According to the NHS, problems associated with urination are the most common symptoms of prostate cancer.

They include:

  • Needing to urinate more frequently, often during the night

  • Needing to rush to the toilet

  • Difficulty in starting to urinate

  • Straining or taking a long time to urinate

  • A weak urine flow

  • Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully

Other symptoms include a loss of appetite, pain in the testicles, back, hips or pelvis, blood in urine, and unexplained weight loss.

Here are some of the charities offering support and advice: