The Prostate

What follows is a brief look at issues surrounding prostate cancer and should only be viewed as an introduction. Nothing can replace a consultancy with a member of the medical profession and, as said below, if you are diagnosed, a second and possibly third opinion should always be sought.

Peter Mandelson has recently, it was reported, had surgery on his prostate. The late Charles Haughey, the very much alive Gay Byrne and Sunday Independent scribe, Eoghan Harris are just some of the famous Irish men who have had problematic prostates. I decided to get some lowdown on this part of the male anatomy that gets more precious with age.

According to www.psa-rising.com “A normal human male prostate is about the size of a small plum. The prostate sits above the base of the penis below the urinary bladder and backs onto the front wall of the rectum… the prostate makes some of the fluid for semen, may keep urine out of the semen, and enhances pleasurable sensations of arousal and orgasm… it serves two functions, urination and ejaculation.”

Whilst countless numbers of women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, prostate cancer is extremely common, in post-middle aged men. According to the website above: “An inflamed or benignly overgrown prostate can cause discomfort and pain and interfere with urination. Even more seriously, a prostate in which some cells are cancerous can threaten a man’s health and eventually his life.

The website goes on to say that if you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis you should:

Take a second and third opinion on the diagnosis

Compare long term survival rates and the side affects of treatment

Make careful plans based on your personal health, values and goals


It is important to remind people that prostate cancer can be treated in a number of ways and there is a good survival rate. Finally remember that there is a wide range of support for anyone with a cancer diagnosis – you are not alone.

Irish Cancer Society Website: www.cancer.ie