The most prevalent cancer among men in the UK, there are more than 52,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed annually and it often develops without noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
However, there are some key red flags that should never be ignored, according to experts and the NHS:
• Increased frequency of urination, especially during the night.
• Urgency to urinate, necessitating quick access to a toilet.
• Difficulty initiating urination (hesitancy).
• Straining or prolonged time while urinating.
• Weak urine flow.
• Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
• Presence of blood in urine or semen.
While these symptoms do not always indicate prostate cancer, it’s imperative not to dismiss the signs and book a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible.
“Recognising and addressing urinary symptoms early can lead to timely diagnosis and more effective treatment options for prostate cancer,” says Dr Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist specialising in proton beam therapy at the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague, Czech Republic.
“Things like needing to urinate urgently or more frequently, especially at night, should not be ignored. Prostate cancer can be hard to diagnose in the early stages and so knowing what to look out for is imperative.
“Changes in urinary habits – which can also include difficulty in emptying the bladder and trouble starting your flow – are also among the main ways the body displays changes in the prostate.”
He adds: “Factors such as these don’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer but there are checks that can be carried out to rule out such a diagnosis.
“One of the most important things with cancer is to identify it as early as possible.”
Early diagnosis means there is a far greater chance of a successful treatment pathway and opens up more treatment options.
“Proton beam therapy is available for prostate cancer and has the potential to offer fewer side effects,” says Dr Kubes.
“That’s because it uses a highly-charged proton beam to target cancer cells much more precisely, which ensures surrounding tissues and organs are more protected.
“In an area as delicate as the prostate this can mean protecting things like urinary and sexual function.”
GPs can request a blood test which measures levels of prostate-specific antigen, referred to as a PSA test. Physical exams and biopsies can also help to confirm a diagnosis.
At-risk groups include over 55s, members of the black community and those with a family history of the disease.
The NHS also highlights back ache, loss of appetite and pain in the testicles as other potential red flags that should lead men to make an appointment with their GP.
Dr Kubes said: “It’s crucial that as many men as possible are aware of the risks of prostate cancer and any warning signs.
“Open conversations in the public realm are one of the main ways we can try to fight the devastating effects of this horrible and cruel disease.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
