Dr Suraj Kukadia, an NHS GP widely known as Dr Sooj, explored many of these symptoms in a recent Instagram post. Though not comprehensive, it provides a useful starting point for recognising potential problems.
« Unfortunately, the number of prostate cancer diagnoses is increasing, » Dr Sooj told his social media followers. « As your prostate gets bigger, it grows outwards as well as inwards, putting pressure on your urethra and therefore your bladder.
« Some of the symptoms that you’ll get are an increased need to pee, a weaker stream that means that you really need to strain and a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied. You can also get lower back pain, erectile dysfunction and blood in your urine, but this is not an exhaustive list. »
Although these indicators don’t automatically confirm prostate cancer, they warrant consultation with a GP who may suggest a PSA test. This examination measures prostate-specific antigen levels in the bloodstream, and although elevated PSA doesn’t definitively indicate cancer, it could necessitate additional investigation.
A biopsy, MRI or rectal examination may be included in this, though this will generally vary on a case-by-case basis. Crucially, these check-ups are not routinely offered by the NHS and are not included in a national screening programme, so patients will need to raise concerns directly with a GP.
Even if it feels embarrassing, a straightforward test could potentially avoid a lot of future stress. Dr Martin Thornton, Chief Medical Officer at Bluecrest, also previously told the Mirror: « Ignoring warning signs, waiting too long or hoping that symptoms disappear is not a long-term health plan. If something feels new or unusual for you, do not sit on it. Early and regular assessments are simple and could save your life. »
He also added: « Knowledge is power, if you are 45 or over, it is sensible to start a conversation about having a PSA test. Certain factors may mean you might need to consider these tests earlier, for example, if you are Black, or if your father or brother has had prostate cancer. It’s important to know that you don’t need symptoms to get tested, and many who are diagnosed show no symptoms at all until it’s too late. »
Potential risk factors of prostate cancer
According to the NHS, several people may be at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. This includes the following:
- Men over 50 years old
- Men from a Black ethnic background
- Men who have a history of prostate cancer in their family
- Men who have close relatives who have had breast or ovarian cancer. Sometimes, prostate cancer is caused by the same inherited genes
Further guidance from the NHS has explained: « Speak to a GP if you’re worried about your prostate cancer risk, even if you do not have any symptoms. Symptoms of prostate cancer do not always appear until the cancer has grown or spread. »
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