Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men here in the UK. More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year—that's 144 men every day. In this post, we’re going to cover what prostate cancer is, potential signs and symptoms, and finally, when you should go and see your own doctor. This information could save your life or the life of someone you care about, so please read to the end and share it with anyone who might benefit from it.

First, let's understand what prostate cancer is. The prostate is a small gland located in the pelvis, part of the male reproductive system. It's about the size of a walnut and situated between the penis and the bladder, surrounding the urethra—the tube that allows urine to leave the bladder. This location is crucial because some symptoms of prostate cancer involve urinary issues.

The main function of the prostate is to produce a thick white fluid that mixes with sperm to create semen. However, the prostate can develop cancer when abnormal cells start to divide and grow uncontrollably. These cells can invade surrounding tissues or organs and may also spread to other parts of the body.

Now that you know what the prostate is and its function, let's discuss some potential signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. It's important to note that prostate cancer may not produce any symptoms for many years because it generally develops slowly. Most prostate cancers start in the outer part of the prostate gland, meaning the cancer needs to be large enough to press on the urethra to cause symptoms.

Early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms, but as the disease progresses, you may notice the following signs:

1. Frequent and urgent need to pee, especially at night (nocturia).
2. Weak urine flow or a flow that starts and stops.
3. Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
4. Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence).
5. Painful ejaculations and erectile dysfunction.
6. Blood in the semen or urine.

If prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate, additional symptoms can include persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or chest, and unexplained weight loss.

A common question is whether problems with urination are always a sign of prostate cancer. It's important to understand that other non-cancerous conditions can mimic these symptoms. These include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland enlarges but does not increase cancer risk. Nearly all men will develop BPH at some point. Another condition is prostatitis, especially in men under 50, which is an inflammation of the prostate typically caused by bacterial infections.

Regardless of the cause, if you experience changes in urination or any other mentioned symptoms, it's crucial to consult your doctor. Early detection of cancer can lead to much better outcomes. Don’t feel embarrassed or worried about discussing these issues with your doctor; they have managed similar cases before and understand the importance of addressing these symptoms.

When you visit your doctor, they will likely ask you specific questions about your symptoms—what they are, how long they’ve been occurring, and whether they’ve become more frequent or severe. They will also need to examine your prostate, which involves placing a gloved finger with lubricating jelly into your rectum. This allows them to feel the prostate and check its size and consistency—whether it's smooth, hard, or lumpy. A blood test called a PSA test may also be conducted to check for elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen, which can be an indicator of prostate cancer.

Who is at risk of developing prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is most common in older men; on average, 35 out of 100 new cases each year are in men aged 75 and over. It's also more common in black men than in white men. The risk may also increase if you have a direct family member with prostate cancer, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer, indicating a possible genetic component.

For more detailed information on prostate cancer, I’ve included links to trusted sources like the NHS, Prostate Cancer UK, and Cancer Research UK in the description box below. These resources can provide further insights and support, especially if you’re preparing to visit your doctor.

Feel free to leave a comment below to share your experiences or if you found this information helpful. Your feedback is invaluable.

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