What Are the 5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer? Early Symptoms Explained

Prostate Cancer: The Cancer Men Often Mistake for Ageing

“I Thought It Was Just Getting Older…”

Frequent urination at night, a weak urine stream, and spending more time in the bathroom are common changes many men experience with age.

However, these can also be early signs of prostate cancer.

Many men ignore these symptoms, assuming they are a normal part of ageing. In reality, prostate cancer symptoms in men often develop slowly and go unnoticed until they begin to affect daily life.

Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking medical advice at the right time can make a significant difference in outcomes.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a gland found only in men, located below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably and form a tumour.

The prostate is a small gland in men that produces fluid that helps make up semen, which carries sperm. Because it affects an important part of men’s reproductive health, prostate cancer is a significant health concern for men.

Some prostate cancer grow slowly and may not cause problems for years while others can grow faster and spread beyond the prostate if left untreated which is really bad news for men with prostate cancer.

What are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer ?

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Weak or slow urine flow
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Feeling that the bladder is not empty
• Blood in urine or semen

Who Is More Likely To Develop Prostate Cancer?

While prostate cancer can affect those who:

• Any man certain factors increase the risk of prostate cancer, over 50 years of age
• Having a father, brother or close with prostate cancer certain inherited genetic conditions
• Obesity
• Smoking

Early symptoms of prostate cancer in men​

Early prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms, which can make it hard to detect.

As prostate cancer grows some men may experience:

• Blood in urine
• Pain in the lower back or pelvis
• Unexplained weight lossThese symptoms do not always mean prostate cancer but they should never be ignored, because prostate cancer can be treated if detected early.

How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

If your doctor suspects prostate cancer, they may suggest :

• A PSA blood test, which measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate.
• They may also recommend a rectal examination, which is a simple examination that helps doctors assess the size and condition of the prostate.
• An MRI scan can provide images of the prostate and help identify areas that may need closer evaluation, which is really important for diagnosing prostate cancer.
• A biopsy, which is a sample of prostate tissue collected and examined under a microscope can confirm whether prostate cancer is present which is the final step in diagnosing prostate cancer.

Can Prostate Cancer Be Cured?

In many cases, yes prostate cancer can be cured.

When prostate cancer is detected before it spreads beyond the prostate gland treatment can often be highly successful which is news for men with prostate cancer.

Even when prostate cancer has spread, modern treatment options can help control the disease, relieve symptoms and improve quality of life which’s really important for men with prostate cancer.

The appropriate treatment depends on the stage of prostate cancer PSA levels, how aggressive prostate cancer is, whether it has spread and your age and overall health all of which are important factors in treating prostate cancer.

How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?

Prostate cancer treatment options include :

• Surveillance
• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy and advanced targeted treatments

Not all prostate cancers require treatment and some slow-growing prostate cancers can be closely monitored through regular blood tests, scans and follow-up appointments, which is a good option for some men.

• Surgery removes the prostate gland. May be recommended when prostate cancer is confined to the prostate, which is a common treatment option.
• Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy prostate cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues, which is another effective treatment option.
• Hormone therapy lowers the levels of hormones that help prostate cancer grow, which can be a treatment option for some men.

Chemotherapy may be recommended if prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate, which’s a more aggressive treatment option.

What Happens After Treatment ?

Treatment is one part of the journey and regular follow-up appointments help doctors monitor recovery, assess treatment response, detect recurrence early, manage side effects and support long-term health, all of which are important for men after prostate cancer treatment.
Many men continue to live active and fulfilling lives after prostate cancer treatment, which’s great news.

Book An Appointment

If you have symptoms, concerns, or a family history of prostate cancer, consult our specialists and take charge of your health today.

DOCTOR DETAILS:

Dr. Prahlad Yathiraj
Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant
Radiation Oncology