The prostate is a glandular organ that is normally about 3 cm long (slightly more than 1 inch) and lies at the neck of the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate produces a thin, milky fluid that is added to the sperm at the time of ejaculation. It surrounds the urethra, which is a tubular structure that carries sperm and urine out of the penis, therefore prostate diseases often affect urination, ejaculation, and rarely defecation.

Let me start by stating that the genesis of prostate cancer is multifactorial, with changes arising over a considerable period of time. Consequently, with respect to preventative or ameliorating measures, it is axiomatic that these should be implemented early and sustained for longer rather than shorter duration if their beneficial effects are to be maximised.

Dr Richard Ablin, the scientist who discovered prostate specific antigen, the unique protein which is the basis for prostate cancer tests in the US, has been all over the media recently as a result of his announcement that PSA testing cannot detect prostate cancer.