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7 Key Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer To Watch For
Prostate cancer is a major health concern for men worldwide — often developing without any immediate warning signs. Catching the symptoms early can mean the difference between successful treatment and prolonged struggles with the disease. By staying informed, men can take charge of their health, identify warning signs and seek medical attention promptly. Let's delve into the seven key symptoms of prostate cancer that every man should watch for and why they matter.
Understanding prostate cancerProstate cancer begins in the prostate gland — which is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. This gland plays a crucial role in producing fluid for semen. Though many cases of prostate cancer are slow-growing and may not present immediate dangers, some types can be aggressive and spread quickly. Early detection is crucial in improving the chances of successful treatment and survival.
Symptom 1: Frequent urination, especially at nightOne of the most noticeable symptoms is frequent urination — particularly at night. If you find yourself waking up several times to urinate, it could be a sign that something is off. The prostate surrounds the urethra — which carries urine from the bladder out of the body. When the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra — causing this frequent urge. This symptom is easily dismissed as a normal part of aging, but it should be discussed with a doctor if it persists.
Why it matters: Frequent nighttime urination — also known as nocturia — can greatly impact the quality of sleep and overall well-being. It is often one of the earliest signs of a problem in the prostate.
Symptom 2: Difficulty starting or stopping urinationMen with prostate cancer may struggle to start urinating, or once they begin, they may find it hard to maintain a steady stream. This difficulty may also include a sensation that the bladder hasn't completely emptied. It's crucial to pay attention to changes in your urinary patterns — as they can signal issues with the prostate gland.
Why it matters: These symptoms can be caused by the prostate gland blocking the urethra, and while they may seem minor, they can quickly progress to more serious urinary complications. This issue could signal a non-cancerous enlargement called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but it may also be an indicator of prostate cancer.
Symptom 3: Weak or interrupted urine flowWeak or interrupted urine flow is another symptom to keep on the radar. Some men might notice that their urine stream is not as strong as it used to be or that it suddenly stops and starts. This can be particularly distressing, as it may indicate that the prostate is pressing against or blocking the urethra — making it difficult for urine to pass through.
Why it matters: An altered urine stream is not something to brush off. It's a sign that the prostate could be undergoing changes — either due to cancer, an infection or other health conditions. Seeking medical advice promptly can help to pinpoint the exact cause.
Symptom 4: Blood in urine or semenFinding blood in the urine or semen is an alarming symptom and should never be ignored. While the sight of blood can be shocking, it's crucial to approach it calmly and understand that it may be an indicator of an underlying issue. Hematuria — blood in the urine — or blood in semen could result from many factors, including infections, inflammation or, in more serious cases, prostate cancer.
Why it matters: Blood in the urine or semen is a red flag for many potential health concerns. Although not exclusively linked to prostate cancer, this symptom necessitates an immediate discussion with a health care provider to determine its cause.
Symptom 5: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic areaPersistent pain or discomfort in the pelvic area is another symptom that men should watch for. This pain may radiate to the back, hips or thighs and can be a dull ache or a sharp pain. If the discomfort is persistent and does not go away with standard pain relief, it is a strong indication that something more serious could be happening.
Why it matters: Pelvic pain can be caused by a variety of conditions — including infections or inflammation — but it may also be an indicator that cancer has spread beyond the prostate. Early intervention is critical in these situations.
Symptom 6: Painful urination or ejaculationPainful urination or ejaculation can significantly affect the quality of life. If either of these activities becomes consistently painful, it could indicate an issue with the prostate. The pain may feel like a burning sensation or sharp discomfort and could be a sign of infection or cancer.
Why it matters: While many might dismiss painful urination as a temporary irritation, persistent pain needs evaluation. Prostatitis — an inflammation of the prostate — might be the cause, but it can also be linked to more serious issues like prostate cancer. Men should seek a thorough examination if these symptoms appear.
Symptom 7: Erectile dysfunction or changes in sexual functionErectile dysfunction (ED) is another symptom that can be associated with prostate cancer. Though ED is common among aging men for various reasons, a sudden onset of difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection could be related to prostate health. Additionally, decreased sexual desire or changes in orgasm quality can be subtle signs.
Why it matters: ED is not only physically frustrating but also emotionally taxing. If prostate cancer is the cause, early detection and treatment are key. It's essential to distinguish whether ED is linked to psychological factors, medication or a deeper health concern like prostate cancer.
The importance of early detectionProstate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men, yet it is often treatable when detected early. These seven symptoms are key indicators to keep an eye on, and any one of them warrants a conversation with a health care professional. Men should feel empowered to speak openly with their doctors about any changes or concerns in their health, particularly as they age.
Annual screenings such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam (DRE) are recommended for men, especially those over the age of 50 or those with a family history of prostate cancer. Regular health care check-ups and prompt attention to these symptoms can significantly improve outcomes.
Supporting a loved one with prostate cancerIf you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to approach the topic with care and compassion. Understanding that these changes can be difficult to discuss or admit, being supportive and encouraging prompt medical attention are crucial. Early detection can save lives, and spreading awareness about the symptoms of prostate cancer can lead to earlier intervention and better health outcomes.
Don't ignore the signsProstate cancer may often develop quietly, but it is far from a silent enemy. Being vigilant about the key symptoms — such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, blood in urine or semen, pelvic pain, painful urination or ejaculation and erectile dysfunction — can help catch the disease early. Recognizing the signs and understanding their significance is the first step toward taking proactive control of one's health.
If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to a health care professional for evaluation. Don't wait for symptoms to worsen — early detection and timely treatment can make all the difference in fighting prostate cancer.
This story was created using AI technology.
Seven Early Warning Signs Of Killer Silent Cancer - All Men Need To Know
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among males in the UK but not everybody knows about the symptoms to look out for - here are seven early warning signs
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the UK (Image: Getty Images)
Thousands of men across the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.
It is the most common cancer among males so it is vitally important for men to know the signs of prostate cancer and how to check for it.
According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 55,100 new prostate cancer cases in the UK every year, which is roughly 150 every day. Sadly, there are around 12,000 prostate cancer deaths in the UK every year, an average of 33 a day.
Older men are far more susceptible to getting prostate cancer. Between 2017-2098, 34 per cent of diagnosed cases were men aged 75 or over. Projections suggest there could be around 85,100 new cases of prostate cancer every year in the UK by 2038-2040. So what are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
One in eight men get prostate cancer in their lifetime (Image:
Getty Images/iStockphoto) Symptoms of prostate cancerProstate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years. However, the NHS lists the following as possible symptoms of prostate cancer.
Having these symptoms does not mean you have prostate cancer. They should not be ignored, though, and it's best to get checked by your local GP.
It's possible it could be something like prostate enlargement, something that can occur naturally as a person gets older. This is a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is when the growing prostate gland can press on the urethra.
The chances of developing prostate cancer increase as you get older, with most cases developing in men 50 or older. Regular checks are important. Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer are also more susceptible. According to the NHS, recent research also suggests that obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer.
It's important men know the symptoms of prostate cancer (Image:
Getty Images/iStockphoto) Getting checkedWith one in eight men getting prostate cancer in their lifetime, it's vitally important to check yourself regularly. If you think you might be at risk of prostate cancer or are experiencing any symptoms, visit your GP or speak to the specialist nurses at Prostate Cancer UK. This support is offered over the phone and online.
Men over the age of 50 can ask their GP to have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test on the NHS, a blood test which measures the level of PSA and may help detect early prostate cancer. Other common tests include a physical examination of your prostate, known as a digital rectal examination (DRE). If you have a raised PSA level, you may be offered an MRI scan of the prostate to help doctors decide if you need further tests and treatment.
Of the DRE test, Prostate Cancer UK said: "The doctor or nurse will ask you to lie on your side on an examination table, with your knees brought up towards your chest. They will slide a finger gently into your back passage. They'll wear gloves and put some gel on their finger to make it more comfortable.
"You may find the DRE slightly uncomfortable or embarrassing, but the test isn't usually painful and it doesn't take long. You can ask your GP if you would like to have someone there for support, for example, your partner, a friend or a chaperone."
Early Prostate Cancer Surgery Could Increase Lifespan
A long-term study has shown that men with prostate cancer who had their prostate gland surgically removed right after diagnosis had a 17% higher chance of survival compared to those who waited for symptoms before starting treatment.
On average, these men lived over two years longer than those who delayed treatment.
This study, led by researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden, began in 1989 and lasted for 30 years. The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
According to Professor Lars Holmberg, one of the main researchers involved in the study, the length of the research is unique. It allowed scientists to understand how early treatment for prostate cancer affects a person's lifespan.
Holmberg, who has worked on the study since it began, noted that few studies last this long, which makes the results particularly important.
The research compared two groups of men with prostate cancer. One group had their prostate gland removed as soon as the tumor was discovered. This surgery is called a prostatectomy.
The other group followed the standard practice at the time, which was to wait until the cancer caused symptoms before starting treatment, usually with hormone therapy.
Over the course of 10 years, 695 men with prostate cancer were recruited for the study. These men were followed up regularly until 2022 to track how their health progressed.
After three decades of follow-up, the results showed that most of the men had died from causes unrelated to prostate cancer.
However, the men who had surgery right after diagnosis had a 17% lower risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to those who delayed treatment. In addition to having a lower risk of death from cancer, these men also lived an average of 2.2 years longer.
Professor Anna Bill-Axelson, another researcher on the study and a urologist at Uppsala University Hospital, explained that these results show how prostate cancer treatment can have a long-lasting effect on a person's life.
According to her, the timing of treatment matters a lot in how we interpret the results. If the study had been stopped after only a few years, the benefits of early surgery might not have been as clear. This long-term perspective is important in understanding the full impact of early surgery.
One important thing to know is that this study began before PSA testing became common. PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a blood test that can detect prostate cancer early, often before symptoms appear.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, when this study began, most men in the trial were diagnosed with prostate cancer because they had noticeable symptoms. This is different from today, where many men are diagnosed through PSA testing, often catching the cancer in its early stages.
Today's treatments are likely to have even better outcomes than those in the study, thanks to earlier detection. Despite this, Professor Holmberg believes that the results of this study are still relevant.
He points out that the choices patients make today about their treatment will affect them for the rest of their lives. Knowing the long-term benefits of early surgery can help doctors and patients make more informed decisions when choosing how to treat prostate cancer.
In conclusion, the 30-year study has provided strong evidence that early surgical removal of the prostate gland leads to better long-term survival rates for men with prostate cancer.
Although modern screening methods like PSA testing have improved early detection, the findings still underline the importance of considering early surgery as a valuable treatment option.
This research offers patients and doctors a clearer picture of the potential benefits of treating prostate cancer early, before symptoms appear.
If you care about cancer risk, please read studies that exercise may stop cancer in its tracks, and vitamin D can cut cancer death risk.
For more information about cancer, please see recent studies that yogurt and high-fiber diet may cut lung cancer risk, and results showing that new cancer treatment may reawaken the immune system.
The research findings can be found in the New England Journal of Medicine.
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