The little-known pain that could be a hidden sign of prostate cancer
A doctor is warning men about a little-known symptom of prostate cancer that they should get checked out.
Getting any kind of pain and discomfort around the groin area can be worrying. And now a medic has said some lower back pains could be a sign of prostate cancer.
It is one of a number of symptoms to be looking out for, reports The Mirror. Dr Kishan Vithlani, who is GP and Medical Director at Qured, NHS, says seven out of 10 men don’t know what signs to look out for.
One in every eight men get diagnosed with prostate cancer, with testicular cancer being the most common among young men. So getting yourself checked out as early as possible can be vital.
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In 95% of cases, testicular cancer is curable if caught early on, but prostate cancer is much harder to spot, Dr Vithalani added. Needing to pee more frequently than usual, often during the night, and finding going to the bathroom difficult or hesitancy, could be a sign of prostate cancer.
Other signs include weak flow, or feeling that your bladder has no emptied fully. And if you spot blood in your urine, or feel pain in the perineum, it is time to call a doctor.
However, one of the lesser known symptoms is lower back pain or bone pain. Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss could also be a concern.
Dr Vithanlani explained: “Prostate cancer doesn’t usually show symptoms until the cancer has grown in size, but it’s still worth knowing what to look out for. Unlike testicular cancer, prostate cancer doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on surrounding structures such as the urinary tracts or muscles and bones in the pelvis.”
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Although prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men overall, testicular cancer is most common in younger men in their 20s and early 30s. Dr Vithanlani warns that you should see a doctor if you experience a lump in your testicle, your testicles are swollen or painful, there is a change in the shape of your testicles, one testicle has become a lot bigger than the other, and wasn’t previously, or any aching or discomfort in your testicles that does not go away.
Explaining how to check for these signs, the NHS expert added: “It’s important to regularly (at least once a month) self-examine for unusual lumps and bumps, which can alert men to testicular cancer early on. To do this, first stand in front of a mirror so you have a clear view of your testicles and will be able to notice if they’re swollen or have changed in size.
“Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top. Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers. You shouldn’t feel any pain or lumps but it can be normal to have mild discomfort. Don’t panic if one testicle seems slightly larger than the other, as this is perfectly normal.
“There’s also no need to worry if you feel the soft, tube-like structure behind the testicles (called the epididymis). It can be common to get lumps here, which are usually only cysts and are virtually never cancerous, but you should still get it checked out by your doctor.”
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