5 signs of prostate cancer you shouldn't ignore

One of the most prevalent malignancies in men, particularly as they age, is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can have a variety of symptoms, some of which are obvious, while others can be missed or mistaken for less serious conditions. It is essential to identify these subtle signs to receive early detection and efficient treatment.

According to the Lancet Commission, the number of cases of prostate cancer is projected to triple and the number of deaths to grow by 85% between 2020 and 2040, making it a major global health concern. Early detection and treatment are important, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where most of this increase is projected to occur. The course of prostate cancer is slow over several years. Until the condition has gotten big enough to be detected, most men ignore the symptoms. Nonetheless, the probability of a successful course of treatment is increased by identifying the early signs of prostate cancer.

Having trouble urinating

Having trouble urinating is one of the most common early indicators of prostate cancer. Weak urine flow, frequent urination (especially at night), or the feeling that the bladder isn't emptying are possible symptoms of this. These symptoms arise from the prostate's ability to press against the urethra when it is big or tumorous, restricting it and making urination difficult.

Blood in semen or urine

According to Dr. Rahul Wagh, Consultant: Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune, “Blood in the urine or semen (hematuria or hemospermia) can be concerning and shouldn't ever be ignored. While there are other probable causes for similar symptoms, prostate cancer is a possibility, so one should be checked out right away.”

Pain or discomfort

Prostate cancer can be indicated by chronic pain or discomfort in the thighs, lower back, or pelvic area. The malignancy can spread to bones or other tissues, causing this discomfort. Unfortunately, bone pain might not appear until the cancer grows beyond the prostate gland, so men need to be aware of other symptoms and get help if they have unexplained bone pain.

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

The inability to obtain or sustain an erection strong enough for sexual activity is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). Along with being a symptom of underlying medical disorders like prostate cancer, ED can also be brought on by several other reasons, like stress, anxiety, or vascular problems. Problems with erectile function may arise from prostate cancer's impact on the nerves and blood vessels in the pelvic region. Men who get ED regularly should see their doctor to rule out any serious core reasons.

Weight loss and fatigue

Sudden weight loss and persistent fatigue may indicate that cancer is being actively fought by the body. These symptoms could be an immediate manifestation of the malignancy, or they could be a systemic reaction to the disease. Such symptoms call for a careful medical checkup and should not be ignored.

5 signs of prostate cancer you shouldn't ignore

Treatment options in the new era

Treatment options for prostate cancer patients differ based on the disease's stage and severity. Prostatectomy and other similar surgical procedures entail the excision of the prostate gland and can be carried out with the use of robotic surgery or other minimally invasive methods. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy are examples of non-surgical treatments. Active surveillance, which entails keeping a careful eye on the disease and only treating it if it advances, is often a possibility for early-stage cancer.

By helping to identify the most appropriate course of treatment—immunotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or radiation—based on a patient's genetic profile, artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are transforming the way that prostate cancer is treated. AI can help develop molecular treatments that target specific genetic alterations in the cancer cells of a given subgroup when the original treatment is insufficient for them. This allows for more individualised approaches to treatment.