Prostate cancer, like other forms of cancer, is more easily treated if detected early. Knowing the five main warning signs of prostate cancer can help men to find it early. An early diagnosis enables men to get the right treatment as quickly as possible.
However, early or localised prostate cancer does not usually cause any symptoms. So, it’s also important to know about your risk or likelihood of getting prostate cancer. Knowing your risk factors and talking about them to a healthcare professional can help you make more informed lifestyle and healthcare choices.
About prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in a small gland in a man’s pelvis, called the prostate. It can develop when cells in the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way.
Some prostate cancers grow slowly, remain in the prostate, cause no problems, and will never need any treatment. However, some prostate cancers are aggressive and can spread quickly. Aggressive prostate cancers can cause problems and need treatment to stop spreading.
Prostate cancer statistics
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime1.
Each year, on average, more than 52,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer. That is 144 men every day. What’s more, every 45 minutes one man dies from prostate cancer. This equates to more than 12,000 men every year1.
The 5 warning signs of prostate cancer
The common warning signs of prostate cancer include:
1. Frequent urination, especially during the night
2. Pain and/or a "burning sensation" when urinating or ejaculating
3. Difficulty stopping or starting urination
4. Sudden erectile dysfunction (ED)
5. Blood in urine or semen.
However, in many cases, prostate cancer symptoms do not usually appear in the early stages. Prostate cancer signs may only start once the prostate is large enough to affect the urethra. This is the tube that takes urine from the bladder and out of the body via the penis.
Other prostate cancer symptoms
These five warning signs are not the only symptoms of prostate cancer. Other indicators could include discomfort or pain when sitting, back pain, testicular pain, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel or urinary habits, fatigue, and swelling in the lower body.
Other conditions that cause similar symptoms
You should also be aware that these symptoms are not unique to prostate cancer. This means that you may have a less serious condition with the same symptoms.
These other conditions include:
· Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also known as prostate enlargement
· Kidney stones
· Prostatitis when an infection or injury causes the prostate gland to become inflamed
· Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
There are four main prostate cancer risk factors:
· Getting older – it mainly affects men aged 50 or over
· Having a father or brother with prostate cancer
· Being Black
· Being obese.
When to see a professional
If you have any warning signs or risk factors of prostate cancer, you should speak to your GP or a healthcare professional. They can talk to you about your symptoms, your risk, and prostate cancer screening and diagnostic tests. You may be referred to a urological cancer specialist.
A urology specialist can help find out exactly what is causing any prostate cancer symptoms. All conditions that cause these symptoms, such as benign prostate conditions like BPH, are also better treated early.
Prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment at Ramsay Health Care UK
At Ramsay Health Care UK, we provide prostate cancer screening and a full range of diagnostic testing without waiting.
If you have received a prostate cancer diagnosis, we understand that time and expert opinion are important. Our knowledgeable and experienced urological oncology team will be there to support you every step of the way. They will focus on a rapid evaluation and treatment plan for your prostate cancer.
To find out more about our prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment services, please contact us.
References
1 https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/about-prostate-cancer