Prostate check rules for men after Sir Chris Hoy's terminal cancer bombshell

Men over 50 can ask their GP for a blood test which may help detect prostate cancer even if they have no symptoms. The condition is back in the headlines after Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy revealed his terminal diagnosis over the weekend.

He discovered he had cancer after experiencing shoulder pain and it was later found to have spread from his prostate, he told the Sunday Times. The Scot, who is only 48, went public with his cancer in February but has now disclosed doctors have given him between two and four years to live.

He told the Sunday Times: “As unnatural as it feels, this is nature. You know, we were all born and we all die, and this is just part of the process. You remind yourself, aren't I lucky there is medicine I can take that will fend this off for as long as possible.”

Read more: Sir Chris Hoy announces terminal illness and shares what he has told his kids

The former Olympian turned pundit then posted on his Instagram account: “You may see in the news this weekend some articles about my health, so I just wanted to reassure you all that I’m feeling fit, strong and positive, and overwhelmed by all the love and support shown to my family and me. Onwards!” – together with a heart emoji.

'One in eight men will get prostate cancer'

The announcement sparked a flurry of interest and concern with Prostate Cancer UK saying: “Men simply should not be diagnosed with prostate cancer at Stage 4.” In a post on its social media channels the charity said: “We are saddened to read the news that Sir Chris Hoy, one of Britain’s most-decorated Olympians, is facing a terminal cancer diagnosis.

“Men simply should not be diagnosed with prostate cancer at Stage 4. But sadly, Sir Chris is one of thousands of men in the UK who have received their diagnosis too late.

“One in eight men will be affected by the disease in their lifetime, but men like Sir Chris, who are 45 and over and with a family history of the disease, as well as black men, are at significantly higher risk. We currently have the PSA blood test, which is an important tool to help spot the disease earlier.

“Yet GPs are prevented from offering this test and discussing prostate cancer risk with men like Sir Chris because of current NHS guidelines. We believe no man should die of prostate cancer. That's why we're calling on the Government to take urgent action, change these outdated rules and begin saving thousands of lives today.”

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What is prostate cancer?

According to the NHS, the prostate is a: “Small gland in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. About the size of a walnut, it's located between the penis and the bladder, and surrounds the urethra.

“The main function of the prostate is to produce a thick white fluid that creates semen when mixed with the sperm produced by the testicles.” It becomes cancerous when celles grow abnormally and uncontrollably.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

One of the issues with prostate cancer is symptoms ‘do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra)’ the NHS website says.

They include an increased need to pee, straining while you pee and a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied. Those symptoms though could have other causes too, such as benign prostate enlargement, which is common in men over 50.

Who is more at risk of developing prostate cancer?

The cause of prostate cancer is not known but risks increase as men get older. Most cases develop when they are aged 50 or older. Prostate cancer is also more common in black men and less common in Asian men.

Those whose dad or brother has had prostate cancer also are at ‘slightly’ increased risk. While obesity can also increase the risk of getting the cancer too.

Read more: Blood test that detects 12 most common cancers 'to be available on NHS'

How do you get checked for prostate cancer?

There is no national screening programme for prostate cancer and no single test for it. But there are a number of tests that can be taken, which may lead to further investigation. The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the more likely it can be cured.

Any man aged 50 or over can ask their GP for a blood test, called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, even if they have no symptoms. It measures levels of the antigen and can help detect prostate cancer early. Results should be available in one to two weeks.

Men who are black or have a family history of prostate cancer are urged to speak to their GP about having a test from the age of 45, according top Prostate Cancer UK. While those displaying the symptoms above are also urged to see their GP and ask for a test.

But the results are not always reliable. PSA levels can also be raised by other non-cancerous conditions. So if levels are raised, patients may be offered an MRI scan of the prostate to see if further tests or treatment are needed.

Other tests include a physical examination of the prostate – a digital rectal examination. And a biopsy.

What treatments are available for prostate cancer?

If the cancer is found at an early stage, no treatment may be given, but the condition put under ‘surveillance’. Some prostate cancers can be cured by surgery – removing the prostate. Or radiotherapy. Sometimes with hormone therapy.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and cannot be cured, treatment given will be aimed at relieving symptoms and prolonging life. Treatment does carry the risk of side effects including erectile dysfunction and urinary symptoms, like needing to use the toilet more often.