symptoms of prostate cancerImage Credit source: Getty Images
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Its biggest challenge is that it often develops without any obvious symptoms in the early stages. This is the reason why in many patients the disease is detected when the cancer has progressed. Experts say that ignoring problems related to urination as merely the effect of increasing age can prove costly. If such symptoms persist, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Dr. Amit Upadhyay, Senior Consultant, Hematologist and Oncologist, PSRI Hospital, Saket, says that it is a common misconception that prostate cancer always starts with symptoms. According to him, in the initial stage many patients feel completely normal and do not face any kind of problem.
Therefore, instead of just waiting for the symptoms, it is more important to get health checked from time to time, especially for men who are above 50 years of age.
5 signs of prostate cancer, which should not be ignored
Frequent urination, especially at night
If you have to get up several times during the night to urinate or the frequency of urination suddenly increases, it may be a sign of a problem related to the prostate.
trouble urinating
Difficulty in starting urination, weak stream, straining or feeling that the bladder has not been completely emptied, such symptoms demand examination by a doctor.
blood in urine or sperm
If blood is seen in urine or semen even once, do not make the mistake of considering it as normal. This can be a sign of many serious diseases, including prostate cancer.
Persistent pain in the waist, hips, or pelvis
Persistent back, hip, or pelvic pain, especially when accompanied by urinary problems, warrants medical attention.
unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue
If you are losing weight without dieting or due to any other reason or fatigue persists for a long time, then this should also not be ignored.
Which people are more at risk?
According to experts, the risk of prostate cancer increases in men aged 50 years or older. This risk is higher in people whose family members have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. Such people should have regular health checkups and consult a doctor about prostate screening, even if they do not have any symptoms.
Dr. Amit Upadhyay says that these symptoms do not mean that the person definitely has prostate cancer. In most of the cases, these can be caused by other common problems also. But without investigation the real reason cannot be known. If the disease is caught in its early stages, its treatment is likely to be more effective and successful.
Therefore, men should not ignore the continuous changes in their body considering it a normal part of aging. Timely diagnosis and correct treatment is the key to better health.
