IT will affect half of all men at some time during their life, yet prostate disease is rarely spoken about.

One of the most common forms is prostate cancer.

There seems to be less awareness of prostate cancer than other types of the illness, even though it is incredibly common.

The disease is the second biggest cancer killer in men with one man dying every hour in the UK.

But unlike other cancers, the illness may often not progress or need immediate treatment.

However men – and women – still need to be aware of the symptoms to watch out for.

Embarrassment often prevents people from getting themselves checked out. But not ignoring the signs can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

When Ian Franklin found himself needing to urinate up to 12 times a night, he knew something was seriously wrong.

The company director from Alwoodley, Leeds, was also in pain and becoming exhausted from lack of sleep.

In early 2004, Mr Franklin went to see his GP and was referred to Spire Hospital in Roundhay, Leeds.

He was initially prescribed antibiotics but these failed to clear up his symptoms.

A prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test showed there was a possibility of cancer so a biopsy and other tests were carried out.

The results confirmed that he did have cancer.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland, only present in men, which surrounds the urethra.
It carries out an important function in liquefying semen so sperm can move more freely.

But although it is small, the prostate can cause serious problems.

Mr Franklin's consultant urologist at Spire, Stephen Prescott, decided he needed a radical prostatectomy and his entire prostate gland was removed.

After three months recovering, he was able to return to work.
Now Ian just goes for regular PSA tests to check for any signs of the cancer.

"It was five years last May and the words I wanted to hear were 'come back to see me next year'," he said.

"I am delighted that five years on from my operation, I am still in the clear and able to live life to the full.

"When I was ill, my major concern was that the cancer had spread to other parts of my body. It was such a relief having the operation and getting my health back."

His specialist Mr Prescott said the aging population meant prostate cancer was becoming increasingly common.

"It's vital that any man with possible symptoms or who simply wants to discuss any concerns goes to see his doctor as soon as possible.

"Most of the time, the disease will be ruled out, but if it is present, it's crucial to treat the cancer as early as possible."

Mr Franklin also urged men to seek help as soon as they noticed any of the telltale signs.

"After the operation I tried to convince numerous people my own age to have a regular blood test because if you do catch it early, you are alright," he said.

Currently men can go to their GP and ask for a PSA blood test.

There isn't a national testing programme because medics believe that could do more harm than good – by the age of 60 half of men will have microscopic evidence of prostate cancer.

However most never develop symptoms and treating low risk cases can have significant side effects.

Instead of a UK-wide screening programme, the Department of Health has a Prostate Cancer Risk Programme so men can request a test from their GP and then are given information about the pros and cons of screening.

Men need to be on the lookout for symptoms such as needing to urinate urgently, going more frequently and/or at night, problems when passing urine including pain, burning or bleeding, pain or stiffness in the back, hips or pelvis.

However some people don't show any symptoms at all.

That's what happened to George Lindridge.

He read a newspaper article which mentioned the disease could be hereditary and knew his father and one of his brothers had both been affected.

Mr Lindridge, now 70 and from Andover in Hampshire, went to his GP and was given tests which showed he had cancer.

Given several options all involving serious side effects, he rang charity Prostate UK for advice.

They gave him another option, brachytherapy, where radioactive pellets are implanted directly into the prostate.

At the time 11 years ago, Leeds was the only place doing the therapy and so Mr Lindridge travelled hundreds of miles for his treatment.

"I got an appointment and it changed my life," he said.

"The service I got at Cookridge Hospital I will never forget.

"The treatment I got was phenomenal."

He said he was so grateful for the treatment he had in Leeds because he later found out he would only have lived a few more years if the cancer had not been picked up when it was.

That's why he is passionate about men taking care of their health.
"If I had ignored that little voice saying go and get checked, I would be dead," he said.

This month is Male Cancer Awareness Month and on Sunday hundreds of people will help Prostate UK by joining in their annual Pants in the Park 5km run.

Participants need to don their pants over their kit, superhero-style, to help raise funds and awareness.

The run is in partnership with Simplyhealth and spokeswoman Romana Abdin said: "Pants in the Park is a fantastic and fun way for people to come together to support Prostate UK.

"We are proud to be a part of this event and hope its decorated pant-clad supporters enjoy themselves as they walk or run to raise funds for this worthwhile cause."

Register online at www.pantsinthepark.org for £5. Children under 10 accompanied by an adult are free. Alternatively, enter on the day and pay £10.