Men have been urged to contact their GP if they spot three warning signs when visiting the toilet. They could indicate an early stage of a fatal cancer that may take years before symptoms appear. The NHS issued the alert especially for black men and those aged over 50 who face a greater risk.
The NHS posted on X during prostate cancer awareness month: « Prostate cancer often develops slowly, so there may be no symptoms for many years, but it’s important to know what to look out for. But if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait – contact your GP practice. Early diagnosis can save lives. »
Three key symptoms that may develop slowly over time include:
Experiencing these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, as they can be triggered by various other conditions. Regardless, these warning signs shouldn’t be dismissed.
If the disease is caught early enough, it can frequently be « cured », according to the NHS. Treatment varies from patient to patient and may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy or surgery amongst other approaches.
Prostate cancer ranks among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men across the UK, yet there is no national screening programme. However, a free blood test is available through the NHS which could identify prostate problems before symptoms emerge.
The likelihood of developing prostate cancer rises with age, with the majority of cases emerging after the age of 50. Black men and those with fathers or brothers who have been affected by prostate cancer face an increased risk of diagnosis.
Men concerned about their prostate cancer risk are encouraged to consult their GP even in the absence of symptoms.
Prostate cancer typically begins growing on the outer portion of the prostate, which means it doesn’t exert pressure on the urethra and trigger symptoms until it has expanded considerably or metastasised. This can lead to various difficulties when urinating, alongside other symptoms such as lower back pain, unexplained weight loss or erectile dysfunction.
Cancer Research UK estimates that approximately one in six men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. Around 78.9% of patients survive prostate cancer for a decade or longer.
Early detection is crucial for achieving a better prognosis. Prostate cancer isn’t associated with any preventable causes, so there is no guaranteed method to reduce your risk before the disease develops.
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