Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men, but its early stages can often be silent, allowing the disease to progress without obvious warning signs.
Experts caution that persistent urinary changes and other unexplained symptoms should not simply be dismissed as a normal part of ageing, particularly among men over 50 or those with a family history of prostate cancer.
Dr. Amit Upadhyay, Senior Consultant Hematologist and Oncologist at PSRI Hospital, Saket, said, “One of the biggest challenges with prostate cancer is that it may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, so a man can feel completely well even when the disease is developing. Persistent changes such as frequent urination, difficulty passing urine, blood in the urine or semen, unexplained pelvic or back pain, weight loss or prolonged fatigue should not be ignored. These symptoms do not necessarily mean cancer, but they do warrant medical evaluation so that the underlying cause can be identified at the earliest.”
Frequent urination, particularly waking several times at night to pass urine, is one of the changes men may overlook. Similarly, difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, straining to urinate or a persistent sensation that the bladder has not emptied completely can indicate a prostate or urinary problem and should be assessed by a doctor.
Blood in the urine or semen is another symptom that warrants medical attention, even if it occurs only once. While such bleeding can have several causes and does not automatically indicate prostate cancer, it should not be disregarded without evaluation.
Persistent pain in the pelvis, hips or back can also require investigation, particularly when it occurs alongside urinary symptoms. Unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue are similarly non-specific symptoms, but prolonged or unexplained changes in health should prompt a consultation rather than being attributed to ageing.
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, particularly after 50. Men whose father or brother has had prostate cancer may also have a higher risk. For these men, discussing prostate cancer screening and appropriate health checks with a doctor is important even in the absence of symptoms.
At the same time, experts stress that these symptoms are not diagnostic of prostate cancer. Urinary difficulties, for instance, are commonly associated with benign prostate enlargement and other non-cancerous conditions. Medical examination and appropriate testing are needed to determine the actual cause.
Timely evaluation is therefore important, particularly when symptoms persist or are accompanied by other unexplained changes. Recognising potential warning signs and discussing individual risk factors with a doctor can help ensure that serious conditions are investigated without delay.