Do you know the warning signs of prostate cancer?
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Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, however, most men with early prostate cancer don’t have symptoms, which means that it can take years to detect.
Some men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and awareness of these risks can lead to earlier diagnosis. During Men’s Health Awareness Month we ask Mr Kasra Saeb-Parsy, consultant urologist at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital, about the warning signs.
Factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer and should prompt discussion with a health professional are:
- Family history of prostate cancer, particularly a close relative, father and brother
- African ethnicity
- Aged over 50 years old.
Although most urinary symptoms point to benign conditions in the majority of men, the five common symptoms to look out for can include:
- Weak or interrupted urine flow and straining to empty the bladder
- The urge to pee more frequently, especially at night
- Needing to rush to the toilet and difficulty in starting or stopping flow
- Blood in the urine
- New onset of erectile dysfunction.
Urinary symptoms
The majority of prostate cancers in the early stages do not cause urinary symptoms. However, it is important to report any symptoms from needing to pee more frequently, especially at night, to difficulty starting and stopping the process. Urges to rush to the loo and loss of bladder control can also be symptoms, as is pain or a burning sensation, although this is less common. The majority of men with prostate cancer are over the age of 50, and significantly in the 65-75 age range, but it’s always best be aware of changes at any age, especially if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family or any other risk factors.
Blood in your urine
This can be very distressing and worrying for patients and warrants investigation. In the majority of cases no sinister causes are found, however, it is important to undergo further investigations such as ultrasound and CT scans and telescopic examination of the bladder to eliminate concerns about prostate cancer or other issues that may be linked to conditions of the prostate, such as benign prostate enlargement (BHP).
How to get checked
You can see one of the top consultants at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital for a full physical examination and undergo non-invasive pressure measurement studies. These will help to establish the reason for your symptoms and hopefully exclude more serious causes, such as prostate cancer, or issues linked to other conditions.
Your test results
If there are concerns about prostate cancer then we will arrange the latest multiparametric MRI diagnostic test. If appropriate, we can offer an advanced biopsy technique using ultrasound-guided MRI fusion and state-of-the-art software to perform a transperineal prostate biopsy. The specialists at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital offer the latest diagnostic and surgical techniques so you are in safe hands.
Mr Kasra Saeb-Parsy is available at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital, 4 Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AF. For more information, visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/cambridge, call 01223 370922 or email cambridge.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com.
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