Prostate cancer often detected too late: these are the symptoms

By Sophie de Jong
Published in Gezondheid on Trendy Vandaag

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men in the Netherlands. Every year, thousands of men receive this diagnosis.

Yet, the disease is often only discovered at a late stage. This is mainly because the initial symptoms are usually vague or even absent. That's exactly why it's important to know what to look out for. Below, you'll find everything about the signs of prostate cancer, why it is often diagnosed late, and what you can do yourself to stay alert.

What exactly is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland and is part of the male reproductive system. It sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. Its function includes producing prostate fluid, a component of semen. Prostate cancer begins when a malignant tumor develops in this gland. This tumor can grow slowly, but sometimes its progression is more aggressive.

Many men develop prostate cancer without ever having symptoms. Especially in older men, tumors often grow so slowly that they cause little or no health consequences. However, if left unchecked and undetected, there is a real risk that the cancer will eventually metastasize or spread.

Why is prostate cancer often discovered late?

The biggest problem with prostate cancer is that there are usually no clear symptoms in the early stages.

Many men notice nothing for a long time and only visit a doctor when symptoms become apparent—often by then the tumor is already larger or has spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes or bones.

Moreover, some symptoms that do occur are often mistaken for typical age-related complaints such as urination problems or fatigue. This makes it difficult to take the signals seriously in time.

The most common symptoms of prostate cancer

Although symptoms are often vague, there are certain signs that men should keep in mind—especially if they persist or get worse:

• Difficulty urinating
  Think of a weak urine stream, an interrupted flow, or having trouble emptying the bladder completely.
• Frequent urination, especially at night
  This is often dismissed as old age but can also indicate an enlarged or cancerous prostate.
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine or semen
  This symptom should always be taken seriously and is a direct reason to go to the doctor.
• Erectile dysfunction
  Less often an early sign, but sometimes an indicator in more advanced cancer.
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis
  When the cancer has spread to the bones, this can cause pain.
• Fatigue, weight loss, or general malaise
  More general signs which occur with metastases or in advanced disease.

Not every man with these symptoms has prostate cancer. Other conditions, such as benign prostate enlargement or a bladder infection, can also cause similar symptoms. However, if you recognize several signals or notice that complaints persist, it's wise to consult your doctor.

Which men are at higher risk?

Although prostate cancer can occur in any man, certain risk factors increase its likelihood:

• Age
  Most cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men over 65 years old.
• Family history
  If prostate cancer occurs in the family, especially in a father or brother, the risk is higher.
• Ethnicity
  Men of African or Afro-Caribbean descent have an increased risk.
• Diet and lifestyle
  A high-fat diet, little exercise, and being overweight may contribute to a higher chance of prostate cancer.

Diagnosis: how is prostate cancer detected?

If there are symptoms or a higher risk, the doctor can perform various tests:

• PSA test (blood test)
  This measures the prostate-specific antigen in the blood. A high value can indicate prostate cancer but also a benign enlargement.
• Rectal examination
  The doctor feels whether the prostate is enlarged or irregular.
• MRI scan or biopsy
  If results are suspicious, further imaging or tissue sampling can confirm the diagnosis.

What can you do yourself?

While prostate cancer can't always be prevented, there are things you can do to lower your risk or catch it early:

• Regular check-ups for higher risk
  Do you have a family member with prostate cancer? Consider starting annual PSA tests from age fifty.
• Healthy living
  Healthy food, enough exercise, a healthy weight, and no smoking lower the general risk of cancer.
• Don’t ignore complaints
  Even if you think it’s 'just age', it's smart to see your doctor about persistent symptoms.
• Talk about it
  Many men find it difficult to speak about prostate issues, but openness ensures quicker action when problems arise.

Treatment and outlook

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the size of the tumor, whether there is metastasis, and the general health of the patient. Possible treatments include:

• Active surveillance (for slow-growing tumors)
• Surgery
• Radiation
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy (in cases of metastasis)

If prostate cancer is detected early, the chance of a full cure is high. That's why it's so important to take symptoms seriously and act quickly.

Conclusion: stay alert, even without symptoms

Prostate cancer is often discovered at a late stage, making it a deceptive disease. Symptoms are often vague or absent early on, so men can go a long time without realizing something's wrong.

By being aware of the signs and going to the doctor promptly when in doubt, you increase your chance of a positive outcome. Especially with a higher risk, regular checkups are important. Prostate cancer doesn't have to be a death sentence—provided it's detected in time.

Source: https://trendyvandaag.nl/prostaatkanker-wordt-vaak-te-laat-opgemerkt-dit-zijn-de-symptomen