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Cancer

Three of the most common cancers (prostate, bladder and testis) fall within the remit of urologists.

The overall management of patients with urological cancers is very much a team effort involving urologists, radiologists, oncologists, specialist nurses and other allied professionals forming multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) that work together in designated cancer centres.


Bone scanProstate cancer

Prostate cancer has shown a steady rise in prevalence in recent years, largely as a result of increased diagnosis.  It is now the second commonest cancer in men over 50, and the commonest cause of death from cancer in this age group. At last, prostate cancer is beginning to receive media attention which is attracting more money for research.

Earlier diagnosis of the disease, with complete removal of the prostate (click for information leaflet), innovative forms of radiotherapy (click for information leaflet) and new approaches such as high-intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU) are beginning to have a major impact on the disease.

To see more detailed information about suspected prostate cancer, please click here


Bladder cancerBladder cancer

Bladder cancer commonly causes blood in the urine - an alarming symptom which usually means that patients seek advice at an early stage in the disease process. The urologist's ability to pass a small flexible cystoscope into the bladder (click for information leaflet) in a clinic or day surgery unit makes for rapid diagnosis, as well as allowing simple follow-up of bladder tumours a;ready diagnosed and under surveillance.

The treatment of these tumours, and similar tumours that may affect the lining of the kidneys, is usually surgical removal by the urologist (click for information leaflet), sometimes followed by other forms of treatment such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Read more about bladder cancer from the websites Action Bladder Cancer UK and Fight Bladder Cancer


Testis cancerTesticular cancer

Testicular cancer is the commonest type of cancer in men between 20 and 50 years of age.

Its management is the result of highly-successful treatment regimes, devceloped following lengthy and complex clinical trials on young men with all stages, grades and types of tumour. 

For most men with testicular cancer, removal of the testicle  (click for information leaflet)  followed by radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy will provide a cure, even when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The outlook is, generally, very optimistic for the vast majority of patients.

For more detailed information about suspected testicular cancer, please click here