Symptoms of prostate cancer are also visible in urine; ignoring them as minor can be costly.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, yet in most cases it is detected too late. This late diagnosis makes treatment difficult. 

Although prostate cancer is treatable and has a high chance of success, it is difficult to detect in its early stages. Furthermore, there are some symptoms that men often ignore, thinking they are simply a matter of aging. 

Why is it difficult to identify in the early stages?

There are several reasons behind prostate cancer not being detected early.

• Slow growth - Prostate cancer cells usually grow very slowly. Early tumors remain confined to the prostate gland and do not press on surrounding organs. Because the prostate is located deep within the pelvis, small tumors may not cause pain or be felt from the outside.
• Similarities to Common Diseases - Early signs of prostate cancer often resemble those of common diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Enlargement of the prostate gland is a normal process with aging. Men often dismiss urinary problems as a normal part of aging, but they can also be a sign of cancer.
• Limitations of screening: While the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examination are essential for diagnosis, they are not always accurate. Sometimes, PSA levels can be elevated due to an infection or other factors, which is called a false positive.

Which symptoms should one be cautious about?

Although, there are no symptoms in the initial stages, but as the cancer progresses, the body starts giving some signals. 

• Difficulty starting urination or having to strain.
• Weak or intermittent urine stream.
• Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night.
• Feeling as if the bladder is not completely empty even after urinating.
• Blood in urine .
• Blood in the semen.
• Sudden onset of erectile dysfunction.
• Pain or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation.

If the cancer spreads outside the prostate to the bones or other organs, the problem may worsen.

• Persistent pain in the hips, back, or chest.
• Feeling of weakness or numbness in the legs.
• Feeling very tired or losing weight without any reason .

What to do for protection?

To reduce the risk of prostate cancer, it is important to have regular health checkups and get a PSA test done on the advice of a doctor after the age of 50 or after 45 if there is a family history.

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