Q3/ 2020 A PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT DISTRIBUTED ON BEHALF OF MEDIAPLANET, WHICH TAKES SOLE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS CONTENTS

Read more at UROLOGICAL www.healthawareness.co.uk HEALTH

Erectile dysfunction p2-3

Prostate cancer p4-5

Benign prostatic hyperplasia p6-7

If you are worried that you might Worried have cancer, we can get you diagnosed and treated quickly.

about cancer? Call: 020 3883 6112 / 020 3432 6542 Email: [email protected] We can help Visit: cancercentrelondon.co.uk

©MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES CCL439-SEP20-V1 2 ! Read more at healthawareness.co.uk A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its contents | MEDIAPLANET IN THIS ISSUE Week 2020: raising 04 awareness of Erectile Dysfunction A survey conducted as part of Urology Week 2020 shows that awareness of erectile dysfunction “During lockdown, it was even harder than (ED) is alarmingly low in men and women aged 20 to 70. The majority of the respondents do not know normal for some men to get the tests and treatment they needed.” what ED exactly entails, and one in four has never heard of any treatments for ED. Michelle Terry CEO, Movember he survey examined the ED,” as the reason for not seeking knowledge of and experience professional help. with ED of !,"!# men and “Clearly, ED is a common medical Twomen of different age groups condition. There’s absolutely no need between #" and %" years old in Spain, for shame,” Prof. Chapple emphasises. France, Germany, and the UK. When “As urologists, we need to display that asked what ED is, the majority of the attitude by communicating openly. respondents either gave incorrect The patient needs to know that ED 06 WRITTEN BY answers (!&') or stated they do not is common and that shame about it Professor Christopher Chapple know what ED is ((%'). is understandable but unnecessary. Secretary General, “As ED is actually a common male Communication is the key to breaking “BPH often requires medication or surgery but European Association medical condition, it is surprising that the taboo.” some men chose to live with the symptoms.” of Urology (EAU) a majority does not know what ED is,” Louise de Winter CEO, The Urology Foundation comments Prof. Christopher Chapple, One in four respondents has never heard Secretary General of the European of any treatments Association of Urology (EAU). Prof. Chapple refers to another alarming Indeed, the EAU Guidelines #"#" on outcome; one in four of the respondents Sexual and Reproductive Health state: (#)') has never heard of any of the “epidemiological data have shown a seven treatments for ED listed in the high prevalence and incidence of ED survey: medication, sexual education worldwide.” and relationship therapy, a vacuum “The risk of having ED increases with erection device, penile injections, age, but it affects men of all ages and penile implants, shockwave therapy, 08 ethnicities,” Prof. Chapple continues. and topical therapies. Knowledge about “As a result, there shouldn’t be any ED treatment is most limited in the taboo against it. Although I am happy to UK; !(' have never heard of any of the “Painless visible blood in the urine leads to about a 30% chance of identifying a cancerous cause.” see that the majority of the respondents treatments listed and only +"' think Mr who have experience with ED say to ED is treatable. Chair, BAUS section of Oncology talk about it, there is still room for Prof. Chapple says “I understand improvement.” that ED is regarded as a private Business Development Manager: Roz Boldy matter. But this should not prevent [email protected] Content and Production Communication is the key to breaking down people from addressing this issue and Manager: Kate Jarvis Managing Director: Alex Williams the taboo improving their quality of life. We need Head of Business Development: Ellie McGregor Digital Of the (%' of the respondents who to increase the public awareness and Manager: Jenny Hyndman Designer: Thomas Kent Content and Social Editor: Harvey O’Donnell Paid themselves have ED or have a partner knowledge about ED. It is a common If you experience Social Strategist: Ella Wiseman Mediaplanet contact with the condition, approximately one medical condition that is treatable, ED, speak with your information: Phone: +44 (0) 203 642 0737 E-mail: in four (#)') admitted to not talking nothing more than that. That stigma urologist, receive [email protected] All images supplied by about it with anyone. Worrisome is surrounding ED has to be removed, treatment and improve Gettyimages, unless otherwise specified your quality of life. Join that, of those in a relationship, only and we all have a role in developing us for Urology Week by @HealthawarenessUK @MediaplanetUK #*' talk to each other about ED. that mindset. Urology Week is an ideal visiting urologyweek. org and share your German respondents most often gave, opportunity to raise awareness of this.” story on social media @MediaplanetUK Please recycle “feeling uncomfortable to talk about via #urologyweek

WE HELP PEOPLE AFFECTED BY ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) DID YOU KNOW? Erectile dysfunction is estimated to affect 25 to 35 million FIND THEIR BEST TREATMENT SOLUTION men over the age of 18 in Europe.1

IF YOU HAVE ED OR KNOW SOMEONE WITH ED, EDTREATMENTS.COM IS THERE TO HELP. EDTreatments.com

MEDIAPLANET | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its contents Read more at healthawareness.co.uk | 3 Why erectile dysfunction is more common than you think While men might find themselves embarrassed to talk about erectile dysfunction, the reality is that it’s incredibly common and can be easily treated in virtually all cases.

he topic of erectile dysfunction is taboo and not much sure further health checks are carried out – and to make sure “ talked about. But it’s important for men to know that this treatment is appropriate; some health conditions are that the problem is very common and that the risk of not compatible with these medications. Tdeveloping erectile dysfunction increases with age,” There is also a range of injections and topical creams that says Mr Giulio Garaffa, Consultant Uro-Andrologist at the work by increasing the blood flow to the penis. If the above University College London Hospitals. treatments are ineffective, poorly tolerated or contraindicated, Current statistics show that more than "#$ of men aged a vacuum pump can be offered to the patient.

WRITTEN BY %# may suffer from erectile dysfunction and, importantly, it Another promising, non-surgical option is low intensity Mr Giulio Garaffa MD could also be a warning sign that things aren’t right in your shockwave therapy, which rejuvenates the tissue inside the PhD FECSM FRCS (Eng) cardiovascular system and in your health in general. As the penis, improving blood flow and ultimately the quality Consultant Uro- arteries carry blood to of the erections. Andrologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer the penis, a problem Various studies in Urology, The Institute with maintaining an have shown that this of Urology University erection warrants a treatment is safe College London Hospitals, check of your whole and well tolerated. Associate Editor of the cardiovascular Encouraging results Sexual Medicine Journal There is often embarrassment from Open Access health. Since erectile in terms of long- dysfunction often patients who may not be aware that term improvement indicates that your of erections are cardiovascular it is still a safe and effective treatment. common in carefully system is not healthy, selected patients. it is not surprising that both heart attacks and strokes are more common in men Surgical solutions after non-invasive options have failed to work suffering from erectile dysfunction. Surgical treatments for erectile dysfunction are recommended for men if the treatments mentioned fail to work or are Erectile dysfunction-solving pills might not always contraindicated. be appropriate – check with your GP Mr Garaffa explains: “In experienced hands, penile Mr Garaffa says men should talk to their GP as soon as prosthesis implantation has a very high success rate and will they realise that they might suffer from the condition. He allow the patient to have the rigidity necessary to resume says: “There is definitely a need to find the cause of erectile sexual activity in full confidence preserving completely dysfunction and identify any cardiovascular risk factors, such sensation and climax. Many men find that the implant is very as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol and triglycerides, discreet and from the outside the penis will look perfectly Giulio Garaffa is a raised blood sugar, obesity, lack of physical activity, tobacco normal. In general, best results are achieved with inflatable Consultant Urological smoke and excessive alcohol intake. Men with erectile penile prostheses, which are designed to create both flaccidity Surgeon at the University College London and dysfunction are twice as likely to develop heart attacks and and erect state.” International Andrology. strokes as men who do not have erectile dysfunction, so the While surgery is only recommended after other treatments His main areas of aim is to slow down cardiovascular disease in general.” fail, are contraindicated or poorly tolerated, there is often interest are medical and surgical management In terms of treating erectile dysfunction there are a variety embarrassment from patients who may not be aware that of erectile dysfunction, of options, with PDE%-inhibitor pills being the first line it is still a safe and effective treatment. Peyronie’s disease, male factor infertility, men’s treatment in most men. These medications help to relax the “I would suggest that any man interested to know more health and complex arteries in the penis, which produces an increased blood flow about the cause and treatments of erectile dysfunction visits reconstruction of the to the organ and ultimately a better erection. Although they the British Society of Urological Surgeons and downloads the male genitalia. If you would like to find more are available over the counter, and are effective in a large free patients’ information leaflets there.” information, please go to number of patients, it is still worth seeing your GP to make london-andrology.co.uk

WE HELP PEOPLE AFFECTED BY ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION (ED) DID YOU KNOW? Erectile dysfunction is estimated to affect 25 to 35 million FIND THEIR BEST TREATMENT SOLUTION men over the age of 18 in Europe.1

IF YOU HAVE ED OR KNOW SOMEONE WITH ED, EDTREATMENTS.COM IS THERE TO HELP. EDTreatments.com

4 ! Read more at healthawareness.co.uk A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its contents | MEDIAPLANET doesn’t stop because of a pandemic

COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the

diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer WRITTEN BY Michelle Terry across the UK and the repercussions are likely CEO, Movember to continue for some time to come.

efore the pandemic hit, Although the situation is now diagnoses had been rising in the improving, there are still fewer people

©MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES UK for many years. than usual coming forward with COVID-19: providing support for B Earlier this year, it was potential symptoms. Meanwhile, announced that the disease had the backlog of patients requiring become the most commonly diagnosed diagnostics tests continues to build. men with prostate cancer when cancer in the UK – a decade earlier than previously predicted. COVID-19 has discouraged many the foundations are shaking When combined, the total number of men from seeing their GP prostate cancer diagnoses for England, Fear of catching COVID-#$ (or worries Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland about bothering their GP) has meant reached !",#$% in %&#', exceeding those many men have not had conversations The current COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented of breast, lung and bowel cancers. with their doctor about their prostate pressures on the health service, and big drops in cancer referrals. This surge in cases is likely to cancer risk. be the direct result of their huge We’re worried this could mean many increase in awareness of prostate men have their prostate cancer s the most commonly approaches are found that minimise cancer, fuelled, in diagnosed too late diagnosed cancer in the UK, potential exposure part, by campaigns – when it is more the drop in referrals means to COVID-#$. like Movember, as difficult to treat. Athat there are potentially well as high-profile As services begin to thousands of men with clinically Planning to rebuild individuals such as Many men return to normal, it is significant prostate cancer who could Many healthcare professionals Bill Turnbull and vital that anyone with be cured, but who may now not be are finding new digital ways of Stephen Fry sharing have not had concerns about their diagnosed until curative treatment is no running clinics that help avoid the their experience of prostate cancer risk, longer possible. viral risk, transport costs, and long the disease in the conversations particularly if they waits in crowded rooms for routine same year. are having symptoms Resuming referrals appointments. The legacy of this should with their doctor such as difficulty Men are still experiencing high levels be greater adoption of risk stratified Mass awareness has urinating or blood in of anxiety around attending medical personalised follow-up pathways to helped identify more about their urine or semen, seek appointments and need to be reassured ensure that no man is forgotten, such cases of prostate cancer, medical advice. Men that steps are being taken to minimise as the TrueNORTH Supported Self- earlier on prostate who are most at risk their exposure to COVID-#$. As most Management programme.# Finding prostate are those aged !& and men with prostate cancer don’t have A common thread through these cancer early followed cancer risk. over, black men and any symptoms, they also need to be issues is the power of effective by swift access to men with a family made aware of their risk factors and communication with men. Men need the most effective history of the disease. empowered to speak to their GP if they support to understand their risk, their treatment, offers the best chance The huge rate of progress in scientific are at risk. diagnostic and treatment pathways and of survival for most men. research into new tests and treatments To help men find out whether how these may be changing as a result However, during lockdown, it was for prostate cancer means that a man they are at higher risk, the charity of COVID-#$, if they are to feel confident even harder than normal for some men diagnosed today has a better chance of has launched an online risk checker, engaging with these pathways. This to get the tests and treatment they survival than someone diagnosed %& available at prostatecanceruk.org/ engagement is more important than needed. In some parts of the country, years ago. However, the pandemic has check ever if we are to avoid the COVID-#$ diagnosis and treatment of prostate meant that lifesaving prostate cancer crisis becoming a prostate cancer crisis. cancer stopped altogether, causing a research around the world has ground Treatment backlogs Men and their clinicians can also great deal of anxiety for men and their to a halt and we urgently need to help There is significant variation across contact Prostate Cancer UK’s specialist families. get that research back on track. the country in terms of delays to nurses on &'&& &"+ ',', or online via The number of people being urgently With the support of our passionate treatment, with many men contacting the live chat instant messaging service: referred for suspected cancers (of all and dedicated Mo community, we will us concerned that they have been www.prostatecanceruk.org types) dropped by around "!) at the keep fighting so that men can enjoy the ‘forgotten about’ in the crisis. Good peak of the outbreak, meaning fewer longer, healthier and happier lives they Acknowledgements communication is vital for these men, This article was composed in coordination with Trends in patients being referred for diagnostic deserve. who may simply need reassuring that Urology and Men’s Health and the team at Prostate Cancer tests and specialist consultations. their individual risk is considered UK. and that there is a low risk of harm References from delays. 1. Frankland J, Brodie H, Cooke D, et al. Follow-up care after treatment for prostate cancer: evaluation of a supported Movember, the leading charity changing the face of men’s health on a global scale, It is also essential that those most self-management and remote surveillance programme. focusses on mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular at risk of harm are prioritised as BMC Cancer 2019;19(1):368. doi.org/10.1186/s12885-019- cancer. The charity raises funds to deliver innovative, breakthrough research and 5561-0. treatments resume, and that new support programmes that enable men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. Committed to disrupting the status quo, millions have joined the movement, helping fund over 1,250 projects around the world. In addition to tackling key health issues faced by men, WRITTEN BY Movember is working to encourage men to stay healthy in all areas of their life, with a focus WRITTEN BY Amy Rylance Emma Craske Head of Improving Care, on men staying socially connected and becoming more open to discussing their health and Senior Specialist Nurse, Prostate Cancer UK significant moments in their lives. The charity’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the Prostate Cancer UK face of men’s health. To donate or learn more, please visit Movember.com. MEDIAPLANET | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its contents Read more at healthawareness.co.uk | 5 Keeping prostate cancer at bay; giving men more life to live Earlier diagnosis and interventions of prostate cancer help to keep men living longer.

t’s a common misconception that all men with prostate cancer die with it, rather than because of it, but that’s only true if the cancer has not spread,” says Professor Amit IBahl, consultant oncologist at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Trust. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK! and Black African and Caribbean men have double the risk of developing prostate cancer compared to INTERVIEW WITH " white men. Professor Amit Bahl If men are diagnosed early, before the cancer has Consultant Clinical Oncologist, University metastasised (spread), curative treatment is possible. Later Hospitals Bristol NHS diagnosis or an advanced stage of prostate cancer sometimes Foundation Trust results in clinicians switching treatment focus to that of simply prolonging life, reducing pain and the risk of life- WRITTEN BY changing events, such as bone fractures. Ailsa Colquhoun

Spouses and partners are often the ones driving the decision to see a GP Professor Bahl often hears men say that they only saw their GP because their spouses made them go. “We want this to change,” he says, calling for more men to speak up and openly about prostate cancer with loved ones and their doctors. Common symptoms of early prostate cancer – particularly in the high-risk group of men aged around #$ years old, include changes in urination – such as an increased need to pee, straining, or a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied. However, many men delay seeing their GP often because they are afraid of the disease and treatment options, which centre on blocking testosterone – or to use its medical term, chemical castration. The side effects of hormone therapy (androgen deprivation therapy) can include fatigue, weight gain and sexual problems. As Professor Bahl says: “Hormone therapy is a difficult discussion. Counselling and exercise are both Read more at strongly recommended to improve people’s wellbeing manversation. Developed and sponsored during hormonal therapy.” co.uk Watch and wait approach by BAYER For patients in early stage prostate cancer, where there are no detectable metastases, clinicians keep a close eye on hormone levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for guidance on how a cancer is progressing. In men with non-metastatic prostate cancer, who are receiving hormone therapy, quickly rising PSA levels are a signal that the current hormone therapy is no longer working and development of metastatic disease is likely. It is important for men to keep having their PSA checked to manage progression. Recently, there have been developments PP-UN-ONC-GB-0040 in this field with treatment options showing a significant delay in development of metastatic disease and improving survival along with maintaining quality of life. Professor Bahl says: “New treatments can give patients significant hope for increased life expectancy. Aside from COVID-!', the two major causes of death, now, are heart disease and cancer. This makes it a key focus of attention for the industry as greater numbers of people will live to be able to benefit from drug innovation.”

References 1. Prostate Cancer UK. Prostate Cancer and Risk. Available at https:// prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information/ are-you-at-risk [Last accessed July 2020] 2. Lloyd T. et al. Lifetime risk of being diagnosed with, or dying from, prostate cancer by major ethnic group in England 2008– 2010. BMC Medicine. 2015;13(1): 171. Available at https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral. com/ articles/10.1186/s12916-015-0405-5 [Last accessed July 2020]

Bayer is committed to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments. The oncology franchise at Bayer includes a wide swath of products, including a growing prostate cancer portfolio, and other assets in various stages of clinical development. Together, these products reflect the company’s approach to research, which prioritises targets and pathways with the potential to impact the way that cancer is treated.

Support and resources for family, friends and men can be found at Manversation.co.uk ©MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES 6 ! Read more at healthawareness.co.uk A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its contents | MEDIAPLANET The burden of BPH Many men will experience trouble urinating properly as they age. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, is a common cause of this.

he prostate lies between the penis and bladder, and wraps around the urethra (the tube that passes urine out of the Some of the symptoms of BPH T are similar to those for prostate body), so by increasing in size, it puts pressure on the bladder making it cancer, so men should always difficult to pee. see their GP to get checked and WRITTEN BY BPH is a gradually progressive disease Louise de Winter that often affects men aged #$ and to rule this out. CEO, The Urology Foundation above. It is generally said that %$& of men over %$, and '$& of men over '$ tract infections or even kidney disease. will suffer from it. Some of the symptoms of BPH are In the UK, (%,$$$ individuals undergo similar to those for prostate cancer, so surgery to relieve bladder outflow men should always see their GP to get obstruction caused by BPH every year. checked and to rule this out. In ($$', the estimated total annual direct medical costs of BPH were )*'$.' Erectile dysfunction may be a side effect of million, with around +$& of these costs treatment incurred in secondary care as a direct There are several treatment options result of managing BPH complications. for BPH, from medication through to With life expectancy of men rising, this minimally invasive procedures and common condition will become even surgery. However, in some cases the more prevalent. treatments themselves can also cause side effects, ranging from incontinence BPH often requires medication or surgery to loss of libido or erectile dysfunction, but some men chose to live with the making the choices for men hard. symptoms To date there are no options for The symptoms of BPH are disruptive and personalised therapies. impact on a man’s wellbeing. It often Despite the prevalence of BPH among needs to be treated by either medication older men, there is still very little or surgery. Sometimes it can lead to the understanding of the disease or who is inability to pass urine at all, prompting more prone to suffer. This is why The an emergency admission to hospital for Urology Foundation is funding a major insertion of a catheter, often followed three-year research study into BPH. by surgery. It causes a reduced quality Our researchers hope to unlock the of life for aging men and is expensive to genetic drivers of the disease in order to treat, placing a considerable burden on develop personalised and targeted drug The Urology Foundation is a charity funding research the health service. treatments that have fewer side effects, and training in all areas Some men might be tempted to put and also to identify those men who may of urological cancers and diseases in order up with and live with symptoms, such have genetic risk factors and who may to improve survival and as getting up frequently in the night to benefit from earlier treatment, thereby quality of life for sufferers. pee, if they are not too bothersome. But, delaying or preventing progression of For more information visit theurology if not treated and monitored, BPH can this pernicious disease. foundation.org lead to other problems such as urinary © RAWPIXEL© Signs and symptoms of BPH

• Hesitancy (difficulty starting urination) • Needing to pass urine urgently • Weak stream • Passing only a little urine despite urgent need • Straining to pass urine • Needing to pass urine frequently • Urination taking a long time • Getting up in the night to pass urine • Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying • An increasing (sudden or slow building) inability to pass urine

AN URGENT NEED TO URINATE COULD BE A SIGN OF AN ENLARGED PROSTATE. Find a specialist near you at MyProstateInfo.co.uk

The website MyProstateInfo.co.uk is sponsored by Boston Scientifi c. All cited trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This material is not intended for use in France. URO-674903-AA © 2019 Boston Scientifi c Corporation or its affi liates. All rights reserved.

FV6_BUR409919_BPH_Patient_Website_Advert_548x108mm.indd 1 18.09.19 11:51 MEDIAPLANET | A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its contents Read more at healthawareness.co.uk | 7

© MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES

How day surgeries for benign prostate FAQ enlargement are becoming the norm How successful is the procedure? Most symptoms of poor flow will improve in the vast majority Benign prostate enlargement is a normal condition of growing old for most men, of patients. Around #-$%& of patients may still not empty their with half of over 60s expected to suffer from symptoms such as poor flow and bladder fully, rely on a catheter or more frequent urination. have to self-catheterise. There is also a small risk of incontinence (approximately #-$%&). ymptoms such as difficulty starting to prostate (TURP) procedure. urinate, not emptying fully or frequently Miss Kate Warren is a consultant urological What is the risk of erectile WRITTEN BY going to the toilet in the day or night are all surgeon at Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead dysfunction? Miss Kate Warren signs of possible benign prostate enlargement Hospital. She explains: “There are a number of Most men experience retrograde Consultant Urological S Surgeon, Bristol Urological (BPE). This is a normal physiological process, which options to relieve bladder outflow obstruction ejaculation after a TURP, where Institute, Southmead Hospital may not always occur with symptoms. caused by benign prostatic enlargement – a the semen goes back into their The prostate sits around the urethra at the TURP is where you resect the central part of the bladder instead of going forward, base of the bladder; its function is to contribute prostate to relieve the obstruction. This was an and may alter the sensation of to secretions in the ejaculate, but this gland alternative to removing the whole prostate as an orgasm. This isn’t harmful and can enlarge as men get older. This can result in open procedure, which used to be the standard the semen will mix with urine slowing of urinary flow and it being increasingly treatment. More recently, there have been other to empty naturally. The risk of hard to empty the bladder. procedures developed to treat BPE – bipolar reduced quality erections would For most men, this results in bothersome TURP (PLASMA), prostatic artery embolisation, be around #-$%&. urinary symptoms such as taking a long time Urolift, Holep and rezum steam treatment. Each to wee and needing to go more frequently and patient should be offered alternatives and be What is the risk of finding during the night. For a small proportion of counselled about the risks and benefits to them of prostate cancer? patients, the failure to empty the bladder properly each treatment.” This depends on the age group can result in urinary tract infections, bladder Bipolar TURP uses irrigation fluid, which is of the patient; it can range from stones or potentially reduction in kidney function isotonic to the body’s fluids, meaning there is less between $ in $% to $ in '%. Finding if the pressure in the bladder rises. risk of absorbing hypotonic fluids, which used to an unexpected cancer may Men generally present to their GP if their cause a condition called TUR syndrome. It also require further treatment. symptoms are irritating them or if they are allows better coagulation of vessels so the risk concerned about prostate cancer. The GP would of bleeding and needing a urinary catheter for a Will my age affect the procedure? review the patient's symptoms and examine prolonged period of time is reduced. Treatment for BPE is not age them, as well as sending off a blood test (prostate Miss Warren adds: “The prostate is a vascular dependent and each patient specific antigen) before referring on a fast track structure and the risk of bleeding used to keep should be counselled about pathway if there was a concern about prostate patients in hospital for a couple of days after the the pros and cons of surgery cancer. For those patients with symptoms operation. With the PLASMA system, the risk vs medication and about the consistent with benign prostatic enlargement, of bleeding is much less, so patients can often options for surgical procedures. patients would be offered lifestyle and drug go home on the day of surgery. This currently These discussions should medications to help improve their flow. is desirable on the background of the ongoing take into account the patient's Men whose symptoms do not improve with coronavirus pandemic; ensuring patients are symptoms, their general and medication alone may be offered surgery on in elective hospital settings for the shortest sexual health. their prostate. The most common procedure time possible.” Read more at healthawareness.co.uk performed is a transurethral resection of the

Increase Your Knowledge of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment

Learn more about BPH Treatment online: www.bph-plasma.eu 8 ! Read more at healthawareness.co.uk A promotional supplement distributed on behalf of Mediaplanet, which takes sole responsibility for its contents | MEDIAPLANET Blood in pee/haematuria s COVID-!" continues to dominate most of our lives, Painless visible blood in the urine leads to about a and hospitals are caught between preparing for a #$% chance of identifying a cancerous cause. Painful or second wave and getting back to their new normal symptomatic haematuria can also be a sign of significant Aexistence, it is an important time to highlight issues including cancer as well but is more likely due some of the issues that have been pushed out of the way to a urinary tract infection. by coronavirus. Most commonly painless haematuria can be a sign of The pandemic, while incredibly serious, hasn’t made bladder or kidney tumours, which are usually curable with urological cancers disappear or slowed their growth, but early surgery. But, given enough time, these tumours can WRITTEN BY the numbers of patients presenting to primary care remain grow and spread outside their place of origin, so time is Mr Ben Challacombe Consultant Urologist Guy’s significantly down across the UK. This means there is a group critical to ensuring the best outcomes. With this is mind it is and St Thomas’ Hospitals of patients potentially sitting on a cancer time bomb due vital that people tell their doctors if they experience blood in Chair BAUS Section of Oncology to either ignoring symptoms, feeling too anxious to discuss their urine and get an urgent referral to a urologist on a rapid them, or visit hospital/GP practice at the current time. access pathway.

Know the symptoms for cancer Safety precautions to encourage hospital visits There are some key urological symptoms that could To reassure those concerned about coming into hospitals signify important life-threatening cancers and other at the current time, there are many precautions in place to serious diseases. Perhaps the most obvious is visible blood ensure the safety of our patients with special precautions in the urine, medically known as haematuria. This is a in both the diagnostic and treatment protocols for these particularly significant event if it occurs without other conditions. urinary symptoms, which might indicate a urinary infection After fighting a challenging battle with coronavirus, (burning, stinging and frequent urgent urination); often let’s not lose the war on urological cancer. Read more at referred to as painless haematuria. healthawareness.co.uk