A doctor has outlined some of the key symptoms of prostate cancer that everyone should be keeping an eye out for.
Prostate cancer, which tends to affect men over the age of 50, is the most common type of the condition for men in the UK. According to Cancer Research, around 52,3000 people are diagnosed with it every year.
However, the earlier that the cancer is spotted, the better the treatment options are. It can be difficult to identify the signs or changes in your body that could mean you might have the condition, as it often doesn't cause any symptoms in the earliest stages.
Despite this, there are some 'red flag' signs that you might spot that are always worth getting checked out by your GP if you have any concerns at all.
Dr Maz Alsaffar, Men’s Health GP at Babylon Health, has shared his expertise on the six most vital warning signs of prostate cancer that all men should be on the lookout for.
Prostate cancer warning symptoms
Urinary symptoms
If a man has prostate cancer, their urine flow may be weaker than normal and it may take longer to empty their bladder. Some patients notice that they have an urge to pass urine but find it difficult to do so. Towards the end of urination, they might notice excessive dribbling. They may also notice that they are going to the toilet more frequently, especially at night to pass urine.
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is relatively common, especially as men get older. Various things can cause erectile dysfunction, such as smoking and cardiovascular disease, so it's important to note that it's not always a sign of prostate cancer. It is, however, associated with the advanced stages of prostate cancer, therefore it is important to speak to a doctor to get an urgent check-up.
Blood in the urine or semen
It is quite unusual for males to notice blood in their urine. Issues that may cause blood to appear in men's urine include a bladder infection, kidney infection, kidney or bladder stones, and a urinary tract infection. While blood in the urine may be the result of something quite benign, it can also be a sign of something more serious, like prostate cancer, so it's important to see your doctor quickly to rule out any serious causes.
Unexplained weight loss
Weight loss can be a non-specific symptom of cancer. However, if you feel that it is not linked to changes to your diet and exercise routine, it is incredibly important that you share this with your doctor so they can investigate any possible causes.
Tiredness and fatigue
Certain cancers can make you feel incredibly tired. Fatigue is associated in men with prostate cancer. Fatigue can obviously be caused by many other factors unrelated to prostate cancer, but if you do feel more tired than usual, it is important to explore this further with a doctor to rule out any serious health issues.
Consistent back and bone pain
Back and bone pain can be caused by everyday happenings, so this kind of pain alone is not an immediate sign of prostate cancer. However, it is often related to the advanced stages of prostate cancer along with the other symptoms described above.
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