Frequently Asked Questions About Prostate Cancer

Below are some of the most common questions asked about prostate cancer.

How does prostate cancer affect sexual desire?

Prostate cancer treatment can affect your sex drive. Hormone therapy or the removal of the testicles can cause you to lose interest in sex. Your desire for sex should return to normal once hormone treatment is stopped, but it can take up to a year.

How will a prostatectomy affect my ability to orgasm?

The removal of the prostate will alter your ability to ejaculate normally. You will experience what is called a dry ejaculation, where you have the sensations of orgasm without releasing any semen.

Will prostate cancer treatment affect my fertility?

Treatment for prostate cancer can affect the production of sperm and lead to infertility. It may be possible for you to store some sperm before treatment so that they can be used later to fertilise an egg.

Does a family history of prostate cancer increase my risk of developing prostate cancer?

You're two and a half times more likely to get prostate cancer if your father or brother had it. The risk increases if they were under 60 when they were diagnosed or if more than one relative has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Can having a vasectomy increase my risk?

Many prostate cancer experts agree it is unlikely that vasectomy increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. And, although a link can't be ruled out altogether, if there is an increase in risk this is probably small.

Do I need a PSA test?

If you are over 50 years old you may consider having the test even if you have no symptoms. Your GP will discuss with you the pros and cons of the test and give you information to help you to decide whether to take it. There's currently no national screening programme for prostate cancer.

What is the PCA3 test and how can I find out where to get it?

The PCA3 test is a urine test which measures a gene present in prostate cancer. The test is suitable for men with high PSA levels following a negative prostate biopsy. The test will determine whether they need another biopsy.

Is there a vaccine to treat prostate cancer?

Not at present. Research is under way into vaccines that can boost a patient’s immune system so that it destroys the cancer cells. For the moment, however, this remains a hope rather than a reality and there is no sure evidence that it will work.

Can a healthy diet reduce my risk of prostate cancer?

Some doctors believe a diet low in animal fats and high in vegetables, cereals and oily fish may help to protect men against prostate cancer. While a healthy diet is no doubt good for you, there’s no definite proof it can prevent prostate cancer.

Is screening available for prostate cancer?

Screening for prostate cancer is not available on the NHS because there is currently no reliable test to detect the condition and no clear treatment. Screening will be introduced once detection and treatment techniques are sufficiently well developed.