Frequent night-time bathroom trips, a weak flow and other common symptoms are often dismissed as ageing. Experts explain what deserves attention and what happens next
We’re all happy to do a daily workout, get our protein in and drink plenty of water for our health – but when it comes to prostate check-ups, we’re suddenly avoidant.
This reluctance to engage with the topic is no surprise really, given that online rhetoric around symptoms and signs of cancer is so often based on extremes and scare-mongering to get clicks.
But it’s this avoidance which can become the most dangerous part. Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer affecting men in the UK, but if caught early, it’s often highly treatable and, in many cases, curable.
Understanding more about what the prostate does, recognising the warning signs and knowing when to seek medical advice could make all the difference – so we got the lowdown from expert men’s health Doctor David Weinstein, who runs Sussex Wellman clinic.
Here’s what you need to know:
What even is the prostate?
“[The prostate] is a small, walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder that is crucial for male reproduction, specifically producing the fluid that carries sperm,” explains Dr Weinstein. “Think of it as a small but vital junction box in the male plumbing system.”
As men age, changes in the prostate become increasingly common. Some are harmless, while others require medical attention.
What is prostate cancer?
“Prostate cancer occurs when cells in this gland begin to multiply out of control, forming a tumour that can eventually interfere with urination and sexual function,” says Weinstein.
The doctor reassures us that even if you get a diagnosis, it’s not necessarily always as sinister as you might think. “While the word ‘cancer’ is terrifying, prostate cancer is often very slow-growing and highly manageable if caught early.”
“Some prostate cancers are so slow-growing they will never cause you any harm in your lifetime, while others are aggressive and can spread to other parts of the body quickly,” Weinstein explains. “That’s why we don’t just treat the cancer – we assess the specific risk level of the tumour.”
Essentially, what that means is that a cancer diagnosis does not automatically mean that aggressive treatment is required.
How common is it?
Many men underestimate just how widespread prostate cancer is; it’s currently the most common cancer in men in the UK, with roughly one in eight men diagnosed in their lifetime.
“It’s an unfortunate biological reality of male ageing, but one we are very well equipped to handle clinically.”
When should men start getting checked?
The doctor suggests that as soon as you near 50, it’s time to start paying attention to symptoms and getting regular checks as a precaution.
“As a general rule, men should start thinking about their prostate from the age of 50,” he advises. “However, if you are black or have a strong family history of prostate cancer, your risk is naturally higher, so you need to be having that conversation with your GP at 45,” says Weinstein.
What should we keep an eye out for?
Weinstein has outlined the key symptoms to be aware of for men over 50, which include issues with urinating. “The main red flags are needing to pee more frequently, especially at night, difficulty starting to urinate, or a weak flow, because an enlarged or cancerous prostate physically squeezes the urethra,” he says.
These symptoms don’t always point directly to cancer – they could be an innocent sign of aging, but it’s always best to be sure as early on as possible. “These symptoms also occur when the prostate just grows bigger in a benign way, making it hard to differentiate between symptoms of cancer and just ‘getting older’,” he explains.
Weinstein also advises men to be alert to more obvious warning signs: “You should also watch for blood in your urine or semen, as this can be a direct sign of trauma or tumour growth in the gland.”
Can I check myself?
“You can’t definitively check yourself at home,” says Weinstein, “so it starts with a simple blood test called a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test at your GP clinic.”
“This isn’t a perfect test as it can sometimes flag as abnormal even if your prostate is completely fine,” he explains. “This is why there is controversy around doing PSA testing on all men every year. However, if you have urinary symptoms and a raised PSA, your GP will probably refer you to a specialist.”
Can it be treated?
For men diagnosed with prostate cancer, the outlook is often far more positive than many expect. “If caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable and often completely curable with surgery or radiotherapy,” reassures the Doctor.
For example: “If you have a slow-growing, low-risk form, we can simply keep a close eye on it through a process called active surveillance rather than rushing into unnecessary treatment.”
Get checked – it could save your life!
Given how much the disease varies, and how treatable a lot of cases can be, the biggest problem seems to be men’s tendency to delay getting checked.
What would Weinstein say to anyone putting off a check? “Sticking your head in the sand will not make the problem disappear; it will only give a potential cancer more time to grow and become more difficult to treat.”
“Have a chat with your GP about whether a PSA test is necessary. Catching prostate cancer early could save your life.”
• if you are worried about prostate cancer, visit Prostate Cancer UK
