Prostate Health Quiz

What do you know about prostate cancer? Many men aren't sure what their prostate is, where it is, what it does, or when to call a doctor if they think they might have a problem.

Take this short quiz and find out more about staying healthy and the signs of prostate cancer.

This is a tool provided by the Irish Cancer Society for information only and is not intended to replace a consultation with your doctor.

Question 1

What is the prostate gland?

I’m fairly sure I know what it is
I think I know
I haven’t a clue

*Please select an option.

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Question 1

What is the prostate gland?

Just so we are all on the one page: It is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is the shape and size of a walnut. It rests below your bladder and in front of your rectum. Running through your prostate is a tube that carries urine from your bladder through your penis. The prostate helps make some of the fluid in semen, which carries sperm from your testicles when you ejaculate.

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Question 2

How old are you?

Under 20
20-30
31-40
41-50
51-60
61-70
71-80
80+

*Please select an option.

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Question 2

How old are you?

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown at present but there are factors that can increase your risk. Prostate cancer is moroe likely to develop in older men. About 9 cases in 10 are diagnosed in men who are 55 or older. The disesae rarrely occurs in those younger than 40. The average age at diagnosis is 67 years.

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Question 3

What is your Body Mass Index?

Underweight (18.5 or less)
Normal (18.5–24.9)
Overweight (25-29.9)
Obese (30+)
Don't know

*Please select an option.

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Question 3

What is your Body Mass Index?

If you don’t know, you can calculate your BMI HERE.

Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of having fast-growing prostate cancer or prostate cancer spreading.

Remember, apart from not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight is the most important thing you can do to prevent cancer.

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Question 4

Do you drink alcohol?

No
Yes, 1-2 drinks a week
Yes, 3-4 drinks a week
Yes, 5+ drinks a week

*Please select an option.

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Question 4

Do you drink alcohol?

Drinking any amount of alcohol increases the risk of cancer. The more alcohol you drink, the higher the risk of developing cancer.

You can limit your risk by drinking no more than 2 standard drinks per day if you are a man and 1 standard drink per day if you are a woman.

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Question 5

Do you smoke?

Yes
No – have quit
Never smoked

*Please select an option.

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Question 5

Do you smoke?

Tobacco contains many cancer-causing chemicals and other toxins which have a damaging effect on your health. Smoking is a known risk factor for cancer and other life-threatening diseases in both men and women.

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Question 6

Do you take regular exercise (at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 times a week)?

*Please select an option.

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Question 6

Do you take regular exercise (at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 times a week)?

Being physically active can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. 30 to 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day offers the most protection against prostate cancer.

Being active is safe and possible for many people with cancer, both during and after treatment. It can also help recovery by relieving some side effects.

Being active may also help men who have had prostate cancer to live longer. Research suggests that a moderate amount of activity for at least 3 hours a week may reduce the risk of prostate cancer coming back. Speak to your doctor before you start any kind of exercise plan, especially if you have other health problems.

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Question 7

Is there a history of prostate cancer in your father, brother, or blood-related uncle?

Yes
No
Don't know

*Please select an option.

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Question 7

Is there a history of prostate cancer in your father, brother, or blood-related uncle?

If a close relative (father or brother) has had prostate cancer, you are more likely to get this cancer. The more family members affected and the younger they were, the greater the chance of a family link.

If you have a family history of prostate cancer you should discuss this with your doctor. You should also tell your doctor if you have family members known to carry the BRCA gene, as men with the BRCA mutation have an increased risk of prostate and other cancers.

If you have a family history it is advisable to have a conversation about the risk of prostate cancer with your doctor when you are in your 40s.

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Question 8

What is your ethnic group?

White (Caucasian)
Asian
African-American
African-Caribbean

*Please select an option.

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Question 8

What is your ethnic group?

Did you know men of African-American and African-Caribbean descent have a higher risk of prostate cancer than other ethnic groups?

If you are of African-American or African-Caribbean descent it is advisable to have a conversation about the risk of prostate cancer with your doctor when you are in your 40s.

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Question 9

Do you eat more than 500g / 1lb of cooked red meat a week or more than 70g / 2.5oz of processed meats a day? (I.e. those preserved by smoking, curing, salting or adding preservatives, such as smoked salmon, sausages, bacon, ham)

*Please select an option.

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Question 9

Do you eat more than 500g / 1lb of cooked red meat a week or more than 70g / 2.5oz of processed meats a day?

Meat is an important source of protein, iron and other nutrients. However, there is evidence to suggest that eating too much red meat, may increase your risk of prostate cancer. A good guide is to eat red meat (beef, lamb and pork) no more than 2-3 times a week. Eat more cooked chicken, turkey, fish and non-meat protein sources instead.

There is strong scientific evidence to suggest that avoiding processed meats or eating no more than 70g a day can help reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

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Question 10

Do you normally consume 5-7 servings of fruit and vegetables a day?

*Please select an option.

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Question 10

Do you normally consume 5-7 servings of fruit and vegetables a day?

Fruit and vegetables are generally low in calories and fat, and high in vitamins, minerals and fibre. They also contain nutrients (e.g. antioxidants and flavonoids) that protect cells in the body from damage that can lead to cancer. Eat 5 to 7 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Use fresh, tinned (in natural juices with no added salt or sugar) or frozen fruit and vegetables. Try to eat whole fruits and vegetables more often. Eat a variety of different coloured fruit and vegetables.

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Question 11

Do you eat foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt every day? (Biscuits, chocolate, cake, sweets, crisps, ice cream, sugary drinks)

Yes, every day
Yes, 2-3 days a week
Yes, once a week
Rarely

*Please select an option.

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Question 11

Do you eat foods and drinks high in fat, sugar and salt every day? (Biscuits, chocolate, cake, sweets, crisps, ice cream, sugary drinks)

Foods high in fat, sugar and salt, and drinks high in sugar are not needed for good health and should not be eaten every day. Very small amounts once or twice a week is enough.

Avoiding these foods will help you to maintain a healthy body weight, which reduces your risk of cancer.

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Question 12

Symptoms of prostate cancer: Difficulties when going to the toilet.

Do you:

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Question 12

Symptoms of prostate cancer

These symptoms can be caused by a number or different medical conditions, but they can also be caused by prostate cancer. If you notice any of these changes, please talk to your doctor.

Often, early stage prostate cancer has no symptoms and men with prostate cancer often do not have any of these changes. These symptoms may be caused by prostate cancer or they may be caused by other conditions, such as a harmless (benign) growth of the prostate gland called benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate. For more information follow the link to our website at the end of this quiz.

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Question 13

Other symptoms of prostate cancer

Do you:

Have pain or discomfort in your lower back, hips or pelvis? Yes No
Have unexplained weight loss? Yes No
Often get fatigue? Yes No
Have trouble getting or keeping an erection? Yes No

*Please answer all options.

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Question 13

Other symptoms of prostate cancer

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Question 14

Have you ever had tests for prostate cancer?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test Yes No
A digital rectal examination (DRE): Yes No

*Please answer all options.

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Question 14

Tests for prostate cancer

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: test: Measures the level of a substance called PSA in the blood. A raised PSA level can be caused by cancer but it can be raised for other reasons, so you may also need a biopsy and/or a scan. 2 out of 3 men with a raised PSA who go on to have a prostate biopsy do not have prostate cancer. Some men with prostate cancer do not have a raised PSA level.

If you are over 70 and have no symptoms your doctor may not think it is advisable to have your PSA tested. This is due to the slow growing nature of prostate cancer and may not cause any problems.

A digital rectal examination (DRE): A doctor will feel your prostate gland by putting a gloved finger into your rectum (back passage). The doctor will feel if the prostate gland is enlarged or abnormal.

Deciding to have prostate cancer test done is a personal decision and should be based upon having a full discussion with your doctor about your risk of cancer and your age, (the disease rarely occurs in those younger than 40, he average age at diagnosis is 67 years), what the test involves and what might happen if your PSA is raised.

You can also call our Cancer Support Line 1800 200 700. They can help you understand your own risk of prostate cancer and talk you through the advantages and disadvantages of the test.

If prostate cancer is found to be slow-growing, treatment may not be needed, the cancer may be closely monitored instead.

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Thank you

This checklist is not a substitute for a doctor. If you are concerned about your prostate health, please visit your doctor, regardless of what results you have on our checklist.

For more information call our Support Line Freephone 1800 200 700 and speak to one of our cancer nurses for confidential advice, support and information.

For more information on prostate cancer: www.cancer.ie/prostate (Open in a new window)

You may find it helpful to print your results and bring them with you to your doctor.

Your results

This is a tool provided by the Irish Cancer Society for information only and is not intended to replace a consultation with your doctor.

Symptoms:

No Symptoms

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For more information call our Support Line Freephone 1800 200 700 and speak to one of our cancer nurses for confidential advice, support and information.