Urological cancers (prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular) are among the commonest cancers affecting families in the north of Scotland, as in other areas of the UK. Here are some facts that you might not have been aware of:

• Urological cancers can affect both men and women, although more common in men. They account for one in three of all cancers in men, and one in five of all cancers in men and women.

• 50,000 urological cancers are diagnosed every year in the UK, and in any year, across the country, they cause 18,000 deaths

• More than 5,000 people are referred every year to hospitals in the north-east of Scotland with a suspected urological cancer.

• Prostate cancer is the commonest male cancer and 1 in 12 men will develop it during their lifetime.

• In Grampian, around 800 men are referred every year with a suspected diagnosis of prostate cancer. Of these, 200 men have the diagnosis confirmed.

• Up to 75% of patients presenting with prostate cancer are diagnosed when it is too late to remove the prostate by an operation.

• When an operation is possible, 25-50% of men may suffer from urinary incontinence in the short term, but the majority get better over time; 25-72% may develop sexual problems after surgery, although there are treatments available.

• In Grampian, around 4000 men and women are investigated every year for a suspected diagnosis of bladder cancer or kidney cancer.

• Around 20% of patients diagnosed with bladder cancer require major surgery to remove the diseased bladder. Unwanted side effects are common and often have a profound effect on people's lives.

• Testicular cancer remains the commonest cancer affecting young men in the 20 - 44 age group.

Find out more about these cancers by clicking in the menu on the left or click 'Next' below.

The information on these pages has been compiled with the help of NHS specialists in urology. We hope this information is useful, however it is not a substitute for a personal consultation with a health professional.