Cancer: The four intimate symptoms men should ‘never’ ignore
Dr Nighat discusses symptoms of prostate cancer
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Even though Movember, a month for raising awareness on men’s health, is now over, the leading urologist Dr Peter Holy from Men’s Health Clinic in Kingston encourages “blokes” to keep paying attention to their health. He shared four symptoms affecting men that could be signalling prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer will affect around one in eight men during their life, according to Prostate Cancer UK.
The leading urologist is urging all men to “open up” about any symptoms that are troubling them and consult their GP, especially when it comes to sensitive areas.
The four symptoms that should “never” be ignored are:
- Changes to toilet habits
- Pain
- Lumps and bumps
- Blood in the semen or urine.
Although these symptoms can be a sign of prostate cancer, they can also be pointing to other less “serious” problems.
The doctor added: “Most of the time it won’t indicate anything serious but it’s always better to check it out.”
Changes to toilet habits
Toilet habits as well as the urge to visit the loo can change with age in many men. Dr Holy said: “Having a weak flow and stopping and starting a lot when you go to the toilet could be a sign of changes to the prostate.
“If you feel like your bladder has not fully emptied when you go to the toilet, this should also be checked out.”
In fact, signs like these are one of the main symptoms of prostate cancer, according to the NHS.
The urologist explained: “Early detection for prostate cancer is key so it’s important to see a doctor as soon as you experience changes, especially if you are in any of the at-risk groups.
“Don’t wait for symptoms to develop or get worse before you see anyone. If detected early, prostate cancer is treatable.”
The risk groups the doctor is referring to are men over 50 years old, black men and those with a family history of cancer.
Pain
Pain can be located in the groin or testicles, and once cancer has spread it can also present as back pain, the NHS reports.
Dr Holy urges to get pain like this checked out, however, it can also be caused by other problems. He said: “Sometimes pain in the testicles can be a sign of prostate inflammation and enlargement.
“It’s also important to point out that many men with prostate cancer will have no symptoms at all.
“If you have a family history of the disease or are identified as being at risk, discuss what options you have with your doctor.”
Lumps and bumps
Lumps and swelling on the testicles are other signs that need to be checked out by a GP.
“If there are changes to the shape or size of your testicles, or you find lumps or swelling, always speak to a doctor,” said Dr Holy.
Lumps and growths can also be linked to genital warts, in which case you will need to visit a sexual health clinic.
Blood in the semen or urine
The urologist noted: “Blood in the urine or semen could be an indicator of a number of things, but should never be ignored.”
One of the conditions associated with this symptom could be prostate cancer, as reported by Prostate Cancer News Today.
Dr Holy added: “It’s still difficult for many men to talk about personal health matters but we really need to become better at this.
“Keep a close eye on any changes to toilet habits, the function of sexual organs and lumps and bumps down below.”
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