Seven warning signs of prostate cancer that strike on the loo – expert

Cancer isn’t always one for making a grand entrance which is not necessarily the best news for prognosis.

Prostate cancer is no different and often develops slowly, making signs absent for many years.

However, once the deadly condition grows large enough, it could spur on seven symptoms that crop up when you visit the loo.

Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist from Chemist Click, said: “Symptoms for prostate cancer do not usually show until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the urethra – the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis. 

“At this stage, patients may notice more than one symptom.”

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The position of the cancerous tumour means that the tell-tale signs of prostate cancer are likely to appear on the toilet.

According to the expert, you should look out for the following symptoms:

• Frequent urination (often during the night)
• Urgency to get to the toilet
• Difficulty in starting to pee
• Straining or taking a long time while peeing
• A weak flow
• Feeling that the bladder has not emptied fully
• Blood in urine or blood in semen.

While these signs don’t guarantee that you have the deadly condition, it’s important to “visit a GP”.

Kanani said: As men get older, their prostates enlarge because of a non-cancerous condition called benign prostate enlargement. 

“It is common in men aged over 50 and can cause similar symptoms.”

The NHS explains that if the prostate becomes enlarged, it can place pressure on your bladder and the urethra, triggering symptoms similar to prostate cancer.

The good news is that there is treatment for this benign condition, which will depend on how severe your symptoms are.

Apart from symptoms that appear when you go to the loo for number one, the expert shared other signs that could hold clues.

Kanani added: “Bone and back pain, a loss of appetite, pain in the testicles and unintentional weight loss can be all signs that the cancer may have spread and you should visit a GP. 

“There’s no single test for prostate cancer so you’ll be advised on the pros and cons of the various tests. 

“You’re likely to have a urine sample to check for infection, PSA testing where a blood sample is taken to test your level of prostate-specific antigen and have a digital rectal examination.”