A number of events were held in Uist and Barra to raise awareness of Prostate cancer during 3rd-6th June.The events offered information about the signs and symptoms of Prostate Cancer and what support is available both locally and nationally. Events were free to attend and were held on:
- Tuesday 3rd June – Balivanich Hall, Benbecula, at 11am
- Tuesday 3rd June – Dark Island Hotel, Benbecula, at 7pm
- Wednesday 4th June – Sacred Heart House, Daliburgh, at 7pm
- Thursday 5th June – Craigard Hotel, Barra, at 7pm
- Friday 6th June – Men’s support group, Cobhair Bharraigh, Barra at 11am
PROSTATE CANCER FACTS
1 in 8 men in the UK will get Prostate Cancer in their lifetime and so it is important that you know what symptoms to look out for. Remember problems urinating will often be a caused by a non-cancerous prostate problem rather than cancer.
The main types of prostate problems are:
- An enlarged prostate – this is the most common prostate problem
- Prostatitis – an inflammation or infection in the prostate
- Prostate Cancer
Symptoms caused by prostate problems include:
- Needing to go for a pee more often, especially at night – for example if you need to go again after two hours
- Difficultly starting to urinate
- Straining or taking a long time to finish urinating
- A weak flow when you urinate
- A feeling that your bladder has not emptied properly
- Needing to rush to the toilet – you may occasionally leak before you get there
- Dribbling urine
Less common symptoms include:
- Pain when urinating
- Pain when ejaculating
- Problems getting or keeping an erection – this is not a common symptom of a prostate problem and is more often caused by other health conditions
- Blood in your urine or semen
For further information about the events, please contact Kenna MacInnes, Senior Health Promotion Officer, tel. (01870) 602588 or email: kenna.macinnes@nhs.net