CLAIRE

• The function of the prostate gland : produces semen and maintains the urethra
• Prostate cancer :

  • Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs you have it for many years.​
  • Symptoms often only become apparent when your prostate is large enough to affect the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis).​
  • When this happens, you may notice things like an increased need to urinate, straining while urinating and a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied.​
• Symptoms of prostate cancer:

  • needing to urinate more frequently, often during the night​
  • needing to rush to the toilet​
  • difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)​
  • straining or taking a long time while urinating​
  • weak flow​
• Tests for prostate cancer​:

  • There is no single test for prostate cancer. All the tests used to help diagnose the condition have benefits and risks, which your doctor should discuss with you.​
  • The most used tests for prostate cancer are blood tests, a physical examination of your prostate (known as a digital rectal examination or DRE) , an MRI, and a biopsy.​
  • The blood test, known as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, measures the level of PSA and may help detect early prostate cancer.
• How is prostate cancer treated​:

  • If the cancer is at an early stage and not causing symptoms, a policy of "watchful waiting" or "active surveillance" may be adopted. This involves carefully monitoring your condition.​
  • Some cases of prostate cancer can be cured if treated in the early stages. Treatments include surgically removing the prostate, radiotherapy and hormone therapy.​

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• Is there currently a prostate cancer screening programme in the UK?

  No
• Why is there no prostate cancer screening programme in the UK?

  Benefits do not outweigh the risks
• What is the main test used to check for prostate cancer?

  PSA test
• Why is the PSA test considered unreliable?

  It can produce false-positive results
• What is a common follow-up test after a PSA test?

  MRI scan
• Why are MRI scans offered before biopsies?

  To avoid unnecessary invasive tests
• What can a PSA test detect?

  Both aggressive and slow-growing cancers
• Why might some men face difficult decisions after a PSA test?

  They may find slow-growing cancer that may never cause symptoms
• What is a potential consequence of a false-positive PSA test result?

  Unnecessary invasive biopsies
• Why is the PSA test controversial in the medical community?

  It can lead to unnecessary tests and difficult decisions
• What are the main issues with prostate cancer screening using PSA tests?

  • Unreliable: can produce false-positive results
  • Can detect both aggressive and slow-growing cancers
  • May lead to unnecessary invasive biopsies
  • Men may face difficult decisions about treatment
• What are the current practices to mitigate the risks of PSA testing?

  • Most men are offered an MRI scan before a biopsy
  • MRI scans help avoid unnecessary invasive tests
• What do muscle cells need to function?

  Oxygen and food
• Why does the heart pump blood to the lungs?

  To collect oxygen
• What happens if oxygenated blood is stopped from reaching a cell?

  The cell dies off
• What is the term for the blockage of the heart's blood supply?

  Coronary heart disease
• What causes the blockage in coronary arteries?

  Build-up of fatty substances
• What is the process called where artery walls become furred up with fatty deposits?

  Atherosclerosis
• What are the fatty deposits in arteries called?

  Atheroma
• What is angina?

  Chest pain caused by partially blocked coronary arteries
• What can trigger angina?


  Physical activity or stressful situations
• How can angina symptoms be relieved?

  Resting or using a nitrate tablet or spray
• What is heart palpitations?

  Feeling your heart racing or pounding
• Why might someone feel breathless with coronary heart disease?

  To get more oxygen into the lungs
• What are some inherited biological causes of coronary heart disease?

  Less flexible artery walls or high blood cholesterol
• How does high blood pressure contribute to coronary heart disease?

  It creates a harder pump action to keep blood flowing
• What lifestyle factor can contribute to coronary heart disease?

  An unbalanced diet with too much fats and sugars
• Why is obesity a risk factor for coronary heart disease?

  It increases the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol
• What is a risk factor for coronary heart disease related to smoking?

  Smoking cigarettes and/or shisha
• How does a sedentary lifestyle contribute to coronary heart disease?

  It reduces physical activity, increasing risk factors
• What are the symptoms of angina?

  • Chest pain (mild to severe)
  • Feeling of heaviness or tightness
  • Pain spreading to arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach
  • Symptoms triggered by physical activity or stress
  • Symptoms usually pass in less than 10 minutes
• What are the possible biological and lifestyle causes of coronary heart disease?

  Biological causes:

  • Inherited less flexible artery walls
  • Inherited high blood cholesterol
  • Predisposition to diabetes

  
  

  Lifestyle factors:

  • Unbalanced diet high in fats and sugars
  • Obesity and unhealthy BMI
  • Smoking
  • Lack of exercise
• What are the effects of coronary heart disease on the body?

  • Blockage or interruption of heart's blood supply
  • Chest pain (angina)
  • Heart palpitations
  • Breathlessness
  • Potential cell death due to lack of oxygen
• How does atherosclerosis develop and what are its consequences?

  Development:

  • Fatty deposits (atheroma) build up in artery walls
  • Arteries become furred up over time

  
  

  Consequences:

  • Partial or complete blockage of blood flow
  • Increased risk of coronary heart disease
  • Potential for angina or heart attack
• What are the risk factors for developing coronary heart disease?

  • Inherited biological factors (e.g., less flexible artery walls, high cholesterol)
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Sedentary lifestyle