Mouth Cancer Symptoms | HowStuffWorks

Prostate Cancer Warning As Cases Sharply Rise - The Five Signs And Symptoms You Need To Know

Experts have released figures showing that worldwide prostate cancer cases are due to rise drastically in the next 20 years - here are the signs to be wary of.

Prostate cancer is the third deadliest in the UK and cases are on the rise(Getty Images)

New data shows that cases of prostate cancer - the third deadliest form of the disease -are due to double within the next 20 years.

The figures show that annual worldwide cases of prostate cancer will rise from 1.4 million to 2.9 million between 2020 and 2040. Deaths from the disease are also expected to rise by 85 per cent

Currently, prostate cancer is the overall second most common cancer and the third deadliest in the UK, contributing alongside lung, bowel and breast cancer and to almost half of all cancer deaths. 12,000 men die of the disease each year in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK, making it second deadliest cancer for males.

Unfortunately, the main risk factor for the disease is age, which is of course not something anyone can prevent and is a large reason for why cases will so drastically rise as ageing populations and life expectancy grows. Black males are also more likely to develop the disease, as well of those with a family history.

Boots shoppers praise 'luxurious' £22 anti-ageing face cream that 'tightens' and plumps skin

But key to treating any cancer effectively is catching it early and it is easier to do that when you know the symptoms. Survival rates for prostate cancer double when treated at stage one or two compared with stage four.

Nearly all prostate cancer indicators are related to the passing of urine due to the location of the organ in the body. Here are five signs that you need to look out for:

Frequency -Needing to pee more frequently and/or having to use the toilet in the night more than usual.

Urgency - Struggling to hold your pee and having to rush to the toilet.

Difficulty - Finding it hard to begin peeing (hesitancy), straining or taking a long time to pee and/or having a weak flow

Comfort -Feeling like your bladder is still full or has not been emptied properly after you have peed.

Colour - Finding blood in your urine or semen.

If you believe you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are worried, contact your GP who can offer advice and refer you for more detailed tests. However, some of these symptoms could also indicate the non-cancerous condition called benign prostate enlargement.

Show more

The UK currently supports an "informed testing" approach, meaning that any man over the age of 50 can approach their GP for testing.

Prostate cancer symptoms often don't occur until the cancer is in its later stages which is why it is important to get tested if you believe you are at risk.

Show more

The The Lancet Commission on prostate cancer advocate for early-detection programmes for those at high risk, further research into risk factors like ethnicity as well as more awareness of prostate cancer to improve rates of early diagnosis.

Nick James, lead author of the commission and Professor of prostate and bladder cancer research at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: "As more and more men around the world live to middle and old age, there will be an inevitable rise in the number of prostate cancer cases.

"We know this surge in cases is coming, so we need to start planning and take action now. Evidence-based interventions, such as improved early detection and education programmes, will help to save lives and prevent ill health from prostate cancer in the years to come. This is especially true for low- and middle-income countries which will bear the overwhelming brunt of future cases."

O.J. Simpson, 76, Dies From Prostate Cancer — Signs, Symptoms And What Men Should Know About Their Health

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.

O.J. Simpson, 76, has passed away to prostate cancer. (Photo by Jason Bean-Pool/Getty Images)

Former NFL player O.J. Simpson has died at the age of 76, after suffering from prostate cancer. Simpson's family took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his passing on Wednesday, saying he died on April 10, "surrounded by his children and grandchildren."

Simpson became an infamous American figure in the 1990s when he was trialled for the double-murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman — for which he was later acquitted.

His cancer diagnosis, however, has been kept a secret. In February, a local Las Vegas outlet reported he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy in the area, citing only sources.

In May of 2023, Simpson shared a video where he briefly mentioned he "recently unfortunately caught cancer," adding he had to "do the chemo thing." He added he began using marijuana to cope with the nausea, though he said he barely experienced nausea at all. He then mentioned he was "over the chemo," after having both cancer and COVID-19 at the same time.

At the time, however, he did not reveal what kind of cancer it was and later denied being in hospice.

For many men, the prostate is often something that remains a mystery when it comes to their health.

Story continues

Between the organ's purpose and location in the body, to when you should seek help for problems or how to determine what issue you might have, the prostate can be confusing. Luckily, there's a swath of information to help you learn more about the gland, and many celebrities and high-profile figures are helping spread awareness of possible prostate issues.

In late January, King Charles underwent surgery to treat his enlarged prostate, after being diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Other well-known figures have also opened up about their prostate problems, including stars like Eric Braden, Rod Stewart and Ben Stiller who have gotten candid about prostate cancer over the past several years.

O.J. Simpson mentioned he 'caught cancer' back in the first half of 2023, but kept his health a secret in the past year. (Images via Getty)

Dr. Danny Vesprini, a radiation oncologist at Toronto's Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, told Yahoo Canada in 2022 that while the prostate isn't large (about the size of a walnut), its nature and location "certainly causes lots of problems."

By the year 2040, annual prostate cancer cases worldwide are expected to double, with annual deaths projected to rise by 85 per cent. Read on to learn more about the prostate, its common issues and how you might be able to prevent discomfort.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a small, rubbery gland that produces enzymes and proteins in the body. It's part of the reproductive system and it's located deep inside the groin, between the base of the penis and the rectum.

"The main goal of the prostate is that it produces between 60 to 80 per cent of a man's ejaculate and, in particular, creates an enzyme called prostate specific antigen, or PSA," Vesprini explained. "What that enzyme does is liquify the coagulum in the vagina to help with reproduction. So it allows sperm to swim more freely in the vagina."

While it's an important organ for procreation, it's not one that's necessary for life, according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Urology, treatment of men's diseases and prostatitis. Consultation of a male urologist for a patient with prostatitis. Anatomical model of male reproductive system, close-up

Prostate cancer can appear without any signs or symptoms in its early stages, according to the Canadian Cancer Society, and its symptoms can be caused by other conditions.

The signs or symptoms of prostate cancer can include:

more frequent urination, especially at night

a strong or sudden urge to urinate

weak, slow or interrupted urine stream

being unable to empty the bladder completely

having difficulty controlling the bladder (incontinence)

blood in the urine or semen

burning or pain during urination

discomfort or pain when sitting, caused by an enlarged prostate

painful ejaculation

trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction)

pain or stiffness in back, hips or pelvis that doesn't go away

fatigue

This cancer can also, in rare cases, cause high blood pressure, fatigue and weight loss — known as paraneoplastic syndrome — as well as lead to kidney failure and spinal cord compression.

What's the most common prostate problem?

According to Vesprini, the most common problem most men experience is that the prostate continues growing. While it might be the size of a walnut or ping pong ball in younger men, it typically starts to grow when men reach their late 40s and early 50s, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

"It's one of the few parts of the body that still grows as we get old. And as men get older, they start to have more difficulties with urinating. That's why older men get up to pee at night because they aren't emptying their bladder sufficiently during the day," he noted, adding men can experience a slower flow of their urine and may "start to spray a bit."

Although these symptoms aren't serious medical issues, Vesprini suggested they can impact a man's confidence and quality of life.

"As we get older and the prostate gets bigger, the bladder may not empty fully and the flow starts to slow down, which is annoying but it's common and there's lots of remedies," Vesprini added.

The Canadian Cancer Society also indicated the prostate is also close to the digestive and reproductive systems, meaning problems with the organ can impact those parts of the body, too.

Remedies for prostate issues

If you're hoping to alleviate symptoms for non-cancerous conditions like BPH, the most common thing to do is to change your daily habits.

"Stop drinking in the evening or don't drink lots of fluid before bed, which lessens the amount of times you're urinating at night," Vesprini suggested.

If that doesn't provide relief, there are medications that help the bladder empty more sufficiently, or medications that shrink the prostate over time.

"For more serious cases, there are surgical procedures that can be done, but it has risks," Vesprini added.

For prostatitis, the oncologist said anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or Advil can sometimes help, or using antibiotics may settle things down.

"Some men find that different foods or certain activities also trigger symptoms and thus they avoid those, but that's unique to each person and you'll have to go through a trial and error process to figure it out," he explained.

Can I prevent prostate issues?

"You can't really prevent prostate problems, and something like BPH is just a natural evolution," Vesprini said. "The only way to prevent it from happening is to have no testosterone, which is what triggers the prostate to grow over time."

He added since urinary problems and BPH are normal parts of aging, it's abnormal for a man in his 70s or 80s to not have experienced any of these problems. In general, the doctor said in order to be your best self, you should work towards having a healthy heart, having a good diet and exercising frequently.

"It's very important to keep on top of your overall health, and don't turn to quick fixes," Vesprini concluded. "Be aware of any changes in your body, and get screened if you suspect any issues."

What is prostatitis and BPH?

In addition to common urinary problems, serious conditions such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can also affect the prostate.

Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate that can cause symptoms like painful urination and general discomfort in the groin, pelvis or genitals. According to

"It can be very uncomfortable and disruptive by causing pain or sexual dysfunction," Vesprini shared.

On the other hand, BPH, or an overly enlarged prostate, usually affects men over age 40. As it grows, the prostate can block the flow of urine and cause bladder, urinary tract or kidney problems.

"Signs of BPH are difficulty urinating, a weak stream, or having a frequent need to urinate," explained Vesprini.

Drinking less fluids in the evening can help ease BPH symptoms. (Photo via Getty Images)

How does BPH differ from prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is another serious issue related to the organ. It's a disease where malignant cells form in the tissues of the prostate. While there are many overlapping symptoms between BPH and prostate cancer, they are two separate conditions, and BPH will not develop into cancer. Below are some of the symptoms between the two conditions:

Prostate cancer symptoms

BPH symptoms

• Problems urinating

• Trouble starting a urinary stream

• Slow or weak urinary stream

• Urinating frequently

• Needing to urinate more often

• Feeling like the bladder isn't fully empty

• Blood in the urine or semen

• Strong or sudden urge to go

• Difficulty getting an erection

• Pushing or straining to begin urinating

• Pain in the hips, back or chest

• Difficulty getting an erection

• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet

• Difficulty ejaculating

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Blood in the urine

According to Advanced Urology, the main symptom that distinguishes prostate cancer from BPH is pain in the hips and back. Typically, that's a result of cancer spreading or pushing on the spinal cord, which isn't experienced by BPH patients. Instead, BPH usually has more symptoms related to urination, since the enlarged prostate impacts the urinary system.

Still, it's best to see a health-care professional if you're experiencing these symptoms, as it's best to catch cancer early.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

---