Ladies, it’s that time of year again where the men in your life may well be growing a ‘tache or beard all in the name of cancer.

Although Movember is a great charity fundraiser, the message for men to check themselves regularly is just as important as framing the perfect moustache handles for your face.

This November, we want our lovely lady readers to get the low-down on their down low area, so you know what he should be looking out for. Remember – early detection is key and could be life-saving.

With over 3,000 Irish men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, numbers show that 1 in 8 Irish men will develop prostate cancer in their lives.

So here’s an introduction checklist for his downstairs check-up. Let’s keep our men fighting fit.

What exactly is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells in the prostate reproduce far more rapidly than normal, resulting in a tumour in the gland. If left untreated, prostate cancer cells may eventually spread from the prostate, causing cancerous cells in other parts of the body, particularly the lymph nodes and bones.

These additional cells can produce secondary tumours in a process known as metastasis.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Early prostate cancer is usually difficult to detect as it doesn’t cause any symptoms. Prostate cancer usually only causes symptoms when tumours grow large enough to disturb the bladder or press on the tube that drains urine, causing problems passing urine.

Other indicators of prostate cancer include:

• A slow flow of urine
• Trouble starting or stopping the flow
• Passing urine more often, especially at night
• Pain when passing urine
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Feeling of not emptying your bladder fully

It is important to visit your GP is you have any worries or if you start showing any of these symptoms.

As men with early stage prostate cancer are unlikely to have symptoms, it’s important for men with family histories of cancer to get regularly checked for early detection.

How do you detect prostate cancer?

For those who are not presenting with symptoms, prostate cancer may be uncovered by a doctor carrying out an exam of the prostate gland and taking a special blood test called the PSA test.

What treatment is available for prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer can be treated by a number of methods. The most common of these include radiotherapy, hormone therapy and prostatectomy.

Although there are a number of options, be sure to talk through each treatment with your GP for the best fit to battle the prostate cancer at hand.

Remember, if your partner is diagnosed with prostate cancer, be sure to check in with him for support, to talk through the options of treatment and any side effects that may cause him concern.

Common side effects of prostate cancer treatment can include incontinence, erectile dysfunction and weight gain.

Support and Advice

Although this can be an extremely difficult time for you both as a couple, remember to keep talking openly and to communicate any concerns or issues together.

Advice and support are on offer through the Irish Cancer Society, Movember’s dedicated website or by reaching out to one of the Movember affiliate charities.