16 February 2024 , 21:00
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The harrowing reality is around one in eight men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Scientists still don't know the exact cause of the disease, which kills one man every hour in England alone. Prostate cancer often goes undetected for years as it develops very slowly; with many experiencing no symptoms at all.
However, certain side-effects could indicate prostate cancer that has started to spread, which means a diagnosis and prompt medical attention is vital. So, here's what to look out for - including one particular warning sign might be much easier to notice during sex.
What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
The NHS says finding blood in your semen could be a warning sign of the disease, and you should contact your GP if you're experiencing this. There are other reasons why this could be happening that have nothing to do with cancer, including a UTI or sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Other prostate cancer symptoms to look out for include:
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- Needing to urinate more frequently, often during the night
- Needing to rush to the toilet
- Difficulty in starting to urinate
- Straining/ Taking a long time to urinate
- Weak flow
- Feeling like your bladder has not emptied fully
- Blood in your urine
Are you at risk of prostate cancer?
If you're aged 50 or over or have a family history of prostate cancer - you're at greater risk of prostate cancer and should monitor any changes to your body. Black men are also disproportionately affected by the condition. You can check your risk of prostate cancer in just 30 seconds here.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, nobody knows how to prevent prostate cancer, but the charity says a 'healthy lifestyle may be important'. Being overweight may increase your risk of the being diagnosed with an aggressive or advanced form of the disease. Following a well-balanced diet and keeping active can help you maintain a healthy weight.
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Signs that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body include bone and back pain, a loss of appetite, pain in the testicles and unexplained weight loss. If you're experiencing any of these side-effects, call your doctor.