Game one - in which my PSA has suddenly risen
One of the main killers of men is prostate cancer. When men of 'a certain age' get an annual blood test one indicator typically checked, along with cholesterol and so on, is our PSA (prostate specific antigen) value.
Many men have their prostate removed, so clearly one can do without it.
"Hey Google," I asked: "What's this prostate for anyway?"
Her dulcet voice told me: "The prostate gland (the prostate) is an organ of the male reproductive system. It is about the size of a walnut and is found at the base of the bladder. The thin tube that allows urine and semen to pass out of the penis (the urethra) runs through the prostate gland. Alkaline fluid produced by the prostate gland helps to nourish sperm and leaves the urethra as ejaculate (semen)..."
Prostate cancer is the most common of these but can be slow in advancing so it is famously the one 'that most men die with, rather than die of'. A PSA test provides a clue but can be unreliable. Nevertheless, when it suddenly starts rising it may indicate that a further check would be prudent.