Prostate cancer symptoms: ‘Commonly ignored’ change in urination could be a warning sign
Bill Turnbull urges men to ‘press your GP’ on prostate cancer
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Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, with around 129 men diagnosed with the illness every day according to Prostate Cancer UK. The disease can be fatal, but catching warning signs early could help aid a faster diagnosis and ultimately getting treatment as soon as possible.
According to Earim Chaudry, medical director of men’s health platform Manual, men are 20 percent less likely to visit their GP than women, often citing “stigma” as a deterrent for getting treatment sooner.
Yet, even if symptoms may seem embarrassing to discuss, raising any changes with your doctor could be crucial.
Prostate cancer develops slowly, which means it can go undetected for many years.
The men’s health expert said that one key change in bathroom habits could be a warning sign of prostate disease or cancer.
Mr Chaudry said: “Difficulty urinating, or pain when urinating could be a sign of prostate disease or cancer, which shouldn’t be ignored.
“When the prostate is enlarged, it can press on the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) which can make it difficult to pass urine.”
Men may notice an increased need to urinate, feeling as though they are straining when trying to urinate, or the sensation that their bladder is not fully empty after visiting the bathroom.
According to the NHS, men may also suddenly feel the urge to urinate, forcing them to rush to the bathroom.
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Blood in the urine can also be an indication of prostate disease or cancer.
Mr Chaudry added: “While these symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, it is important to visit your GP as a precaution.”
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Unfortunately, prostate cancer is known as a “silent killer” due to the fact it does not usually cause any symptoms until it has grown large enough to put pressure on the urethra.
According to the NHS, some possible symptoms include:
- Needing to urinate more frequently, often at night
- Needing to rush to use the bathroom
- Straining or taking a long time to complete urination
- Difficulty in beginning to urinate
- A weak flow
- Feeling as though your bladder is not fully empty
- Blood in the urine
There are also some warning signs that the cancer could have spread.
These include bone and back pain, a loss of appetite, pain in the testicles and unexplained weight loss.
When should you see a doctor?
As there is no way of knowing whether or not you have prostate cancer on your own, men are advised to see their GP if they show any symptoms of the disease.
Though they may not have prostate disease or cancer, it is best to get confirmation of this from a medical professional.
According to Prostate Cancer UK: “You may want to speak to your GP if you’re over 50, or over 45 if you have a family history of prostate cancer or are a black man, even if you don’t have any symptoms.
“These are all things that can increase your risk of prostate cancer.
“Your GP can give more information or tests if necessary.”
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