A prominent oncologist has issued an urgent health warning, advising men to consult their general practitioner immediately if they experience two specific symptoms that could indicate prostate cancer. This disease remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among males in the United Kingdom, representing a significant public health concern.
Alarming Statistics Highlight Widespread Impact
Recent analysis of NHS data conducted by Prostate Cancer UK reveals that over 64,000 men received a prostate cancer diagnosis in 2022 alone. Furthermore, Cancer Research UK reports that between 2017 and 2019, prostate cancer accounted for 28 percent of all new male cancer cases across the nation. These figures underscore the pervasive nature of this condition within the male population.
Expert Insight from a Specialist Oncologist
Doctor Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist and medical director of the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague, Czech Republic, who specialises in prostate cancer treatment, emphasised the critical importance of early detection. He stated with concern: "It's a sad fact that many men are still being diagnosed far too late." Dr Kubes stressed that identifying the disease at its earliest stages dramatically improves treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
The Two Key Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention
According to Dr Kubes, men should promptly arrange a consultation with their GP if they notice any urinary abnormalities or experience unusual pain in the lower back or pelvic region. The NHS specifically lists several urinary symptoms associated with prostate cancer that warrant investigation:
- Difficulty initiating urination or straining while peeing
- Noticeably weak urine flow
- "Stop-start" patterns during urination
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate, or both
- Persistent sensation of needing to urinate immediately after finishing
- Needing to urinate multiple times during the night
Dr Kubes explained the physiological mechanism behind these symptoms: "In many cases symptoms only arise once the tumour is big enough to place pressure on the urethra, which is the tube running from the bladder. When this happens, we can see urinary symptoms such as needing to pee more frequently, waking often in the night to pee, hesitancy and a weak flow, among others."
Additional Symptoms and Risk Factors to Consider
The NHS also identifies other potential indicators of prostate cancer that men should monitor:
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)
- Blood present in urine or semen
- Unexplained lower back pain accompanied by unintentional weight loss (potentially indicating advanced stages)
Understanding Prostate Cancer Risk Categories
Several demographic factors significantly influence prostate cancer susceptibility. Age represents a primary risk determinant, with men over 50 facing increased likelihood of diagnosis. Dr Kubes recommends screening consideration for men over 45 who belong to "at risk" categories. Family history substantially elevates risk, particularly having a father or brother previously diagnosed with the disease.
Ethnicity also plays a crucial role in risk assessment. Black men face disproportionately higher susceptibility, with approximately one in four developing prostate cancer during their lifetime, compared to one in eight white men. This disparity highlights the importance of targeted awareness campaigns within higher-risk communities.
The Critical Importance of Proactive Healthcare
Dr Kubes emphasised the current healthcare landscape: "At present there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer so we are relying on men to visit their GP if they notice anything unusual with their toilet habits, and also if they fall into any of the 'at risk' groups." He specifically mentioned the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test as a valuable diagnostic tool that measures antigen levels in blood, though he acknowledged its limitations in providing definitive results.
The oncologist offered reassuring perspective: "It's important to note that experiencing urinary symptoms does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. Changes to the prostate are very common as men age. But it's always worth getting checked to make sure. There is no need for any embarrassment." This encouragement aims to reduce stigma and promote open dialogue between patients and healthcare providers about sensitive health matters.
Ultimately, this medical guidance reinforces that vigilance regarding bodily changes, combined with timely professional consultation, represents the most effective strategy for early prostate cancer detection and successful treatment intervention.
