The red flag prostate cancer symptoms you should never ignore as cases surge
Prostate cancer is now the most common cancer in England, surpassing breast cancer diagnoses in 2022 and 2023, according to new analysis by Prostate Cancer UK. The data reveals a significant 25 per cent spike in prostate cancer cases between 2019 and 2023.
The charity attributed this increase to greater awareness of the disease, encouraging more men to seek early diagnoses and potentially life-saving treatment.
The analysis of NHS data by Prostate Cancer UK has revealed that 50,751 men in England were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, compared to the 48,531 breast cancer diagnoses recorded that year.
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The trend continued in 2023, with prostate cancer cases rising to 55,033, compared to 47,526 breast cancer diagnoses. The data highlights the growing prevalence of prostate cancer, now firmly established as England's most diagnosed cancer, BristolLive reports.
The NHS, as well as experts in the field, have pointed out some red flags symptoms of prostate cancer that you should never ignore. These key signs are:
Increased frequency of urination, especially during the night
Urgency to urinate, necessitating quick access to a toilet
Difficulty initiating urination (hesitancy)
Straining or prolonged time while urinating
Weak urine flow
Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
Presence of blood in urine or seme
Although these symptoms don’t always signal prostate cancer, it’s crucial to take them seriously and schedule a doctor’s appointment without delay. Early detection can make all the difference.
"Recognising and addressing urinary symptoms early can lead to timely diagnosis and more effective treatment options for prostate cancer,” says Dr Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist specialising in proton beam therapy at the Proton Therapy Centre.
“Things like needing to urinate urgently or more frequently, especially at night, should not be ignored. Prostate cancer can be hard to diagnose in the early stages and so knowing what to look out for is imperative.
“Changes in urinary habits – which can also include difficulty in emptying the bladder and trouble starting your flow – are also among the main ways the body displays changes in the prostate.”
He added: “Factors such as these don’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer but there are checks that can be carried out to rule out such a diagnosis.One of the most important things with cancer is to identify it as early as possible.”
Detecting prostate cancer early significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and provides access to a wider range of treatment options. “Proton beam therapy is available for prostate cancer and has the potential to offer fewer side effects,” says Dr Kubes.
“That’s because it uses a highly-charged proton beam to target cancer cells much more precisely, which ensures surrounding tissues and organs are more protected. In an area as delicate as the prostate this can mean protecting things like urinary and sexual function.”
GPs can arrange a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to assess levels of the protein, which may indicate prostate cancer. In some cases, physical examinations and biopsies are also conducted to confirm a diagnosis.
Men over 55, those from the Black community, and individuals with a family history of prostate cancer are considered at higher risk.
The NHS additionally lists symptoms like persistent back pain, loss of appetite, and discomfort in the testicles as potential warning signs. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is strongly advised to consult their GP promptly.
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