Prostate cancer: Early signs and symptoms often missed by men

The awareness of prostate health, knowledge about the risk factors, and the preventive measures may make a major difference.(Image: Pexels)

Prostate cancer ranks among the most prevalent forms of cancer in men worldwide but remains asymptomatic in its early phase. Unlike many other diseases that show visible and alarming symptoms, prostate cancer tends to grow silently. Its early symptoms can be vague, deceptive and also dismissed as typical aging.

The prostate is a tiny walnut-shaped gland that sits beneath the bladder and creates the fluid that constitutes semen. Cancer of this gland generally grows slowly and is painless in the early stages. The slow course of this progression is something many men do not notice, as initial symptoms may be either subtle or ascribed to other non-malignant conditions such as prostatic hypertrophy. However, if these signs are overlooked, it results in a delay in diagnosis, which decreases the likelihood of having successful treatment, says Dr Vikram Batra, Director - Urology, Kidney Transplant & Uro Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka.

Also read: Using your phone on the toilet linked to higher risk of gastrointestinal disease: Study reveals

The awareness of prostate health, knowledge about the risk factors, and the preventive measures may make a major difference. Early detection through screening is vital for men (especially those over 50 and those with family histories) to be proactive about it. Preventative check-ups, a good living and prompt action can save lives, says Doctor Batra.

Why Prostate Cancer Goes Undetected

Prostate cancer is sometimes referred to as a “silent disease” because it tends to produce no or vague early symptoms. Usually nondescript symptoms such as more frequent urination, trouble getting a stream started or stopped, poor stream or sensation that the bladder never emptied fully, are considered to be part of the natural aging process. Sometimes there can be blood in the urine or semen, but often neither appears until cancer has advanced.

Key Risk Factors

Age is the most significant risk factor — men over 50 make up most cases. Other risk factors include family history, obesity, smoking and inactivity. Those with a close relative who has had prostate cancer are also at greater risk. With these numbers, one would think awareness about prostate health would be at an all-time high, but men are actually much less likely than women to go to the doctor for routine screenings.

The Importance of Screening

The good news is that early diagnosis can greatly raise chances for cure. A basic blood test known as PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, along with a physical exam, can identify cancer before severe symptoms occur. Men over 50 and older, or younger if they have a family history, should regularly receive prostate screenings as part of their health regimen.

Also read: Why you shouldn’t ignore a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks; Pulmonologist explains what it could mean

Breaking the Stigma

To eliminate stigma and urge men to get screened, discuss prostate health needs to get rid of the taboo. If you ignore the symptoms, or fear the conversation, you may end up being too late.Health education efforts and open dialogue are tools that can help men.

Prostate cancer may be silent, but it is not impregnable. Early- or late-stage diagnoses can be prevented and lives can be saved through screening, knowing the risk factors and practicing good health habits. Men should listen to changes in their urine, live a healthy lifestyle, possibly reduce fears of being checked regularly, and there needs to be early detection and a way to ensure effective treatment.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.