Prostate cancer is extremely common and the causes are unknown. The cancer is formed in the prostate, which is a small gland found in the pelvis of men. It is located between the penis and the bladder and surrounds the urethra. Some types of cancer grow slowly in the prostate and as it’s initially confined to that area, may not cause serious harm. Other types of prostate cancer however are more serious and aggressive and the chances of spreading are much higher.
Prostate cancer: Major symptoms in your bladder and urinary habits you should look out for
Prostate cancer is extremely common and the causes are unknown
When prostate cancer does start spreading to other parts of the body (metasize), the cancer cells move through the blood stream or the body’s immune system.
This can form tumours in the nearby organs and the cancer can spread to other parts of the body but mostly it spreads to the bones.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, more than four out of five men (80 percent) with advanced prostate cancer will have cancer spread to their bones.
It is vital to understand the prostate changes, symptoms, conditions and possibly a PSA screening test.
As men get older so their risk of prostate cancer increases. Men aged over 50 years old are more prone to the disease with the average age for men being diagnosed is between 65 and 69 years.
Having a family history of prostate cancer puts you more at risk and is more prevalent in men with afro-caribbean heritage.
Major symptoms to look out for include:
- Loss of bladder control
- Burning pain whilst urinating
- An increase frequency of urinating at night
- Difficulty urinating, or trouble starting and stopping whilst urinating
- Blood in urine and semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain when ejaculating
PSA tests could detect early stages of cancer. A rise in the PSA level in the blood could be an indicator of prostate cancer and this can be detected by a PSA screening.
A 2018 study by cancer.net discussed better researching to improve PSA testing by having a more specific and precise test.
Improved testing in healthy men screened for prostate cancer, could mean finding and treating earlier.
It’s normal for men to have traces of PSA in their blood however having a high level could be a sign of cancer.
If you have noticed any change in your urinary habits or any of the above symptoms it is highly advisable to speak with your GP.