Doctor Urology Reveals 7 Signs Of Prostate Cancer That Are Often Improved

Illustration of prostate cancer. (Photo: Freepik/krakenimages.com)

JAKARTA - The whole country was shocked by the news of a diagnosis of prostate cancer by former President Joe Biden. However, the 46th US President showed an optimistic attitude and had plans to fight a type of cancer that doctors called 'aggressive'.

When public figures are open about their health condition, the hope is that it can raise awareness about the prevention and treatment of this disease. With that aim, doctors uncovered 7 signs of prostate cancer that many people often ignore.

This is important to know. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. In addition, prostate cancer is the second-highest cause of death from cancer after lung cancer. About one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

"Usually prostate cancer does not show symptoms until it enters further stages," said Dr. Jennifer Young, an urologist specialist from Virginia, United States, quoted from the Best Life page on Saturday, May 24.

That's why PSA blood tests (prostate-specific antigens) and rectal examinations (DREs), are sometimes recommended as screening, "he added.

In addition to routine screening, doctors also recommend paying attention to the following symptoms and immediately consult a doctor if they experience one of them.

If you are on a healthy diet and exercise, weight loss is normal. However, if you lose weight drastically for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of health problems, including prostate cancer.

According to Prostate Cancer U.K., this can happen because of changes in the way the body processes energy, which can cause the body to become weak and tired easily. Usually this is a symptom of advanced prostate cancer that has spread, for example to the heart.

2.LOW the Lower Back

Lower back pain can indeed be caused by many things, but if it goes on for a long time and doesn't get better with regular treatment, it should be suspected.

"Thisyeri can be an early sign of prostate cancer, especially if it has spread to the spine," added Dr. Heather Paulson, a naturoptic oncologist.

According to a study in the Global Spine Journal (2021), the spine is the most common location for the spread of prostate cancer due to blood flow in the area.

If you often urinate, especially at night, even though it has limited the consumption of fluids before bed, this could be the initial symptoms of prostate cancer. This problem can occur because prostate cancer suppresses uretra or spreads to areas around the bladder. In addition to the frequency of urinating, you can also experience weak urine flow, such as when a straw is pressed, water is difficult to flow.

Pain or burning during urination is usually caused by a bladder infection. But if the results of the urine test are normal but the symptoms are still there, further check with the doctor.

"When cancer grows, uretra can be depressed until the urinary tract is clogged. In some cases, blood can also be seen in the urine, serious symptoms that should not be ignored because it can be related to prostate cancer, bladder, or severe infection," explained Dr. Lisly Chry.

Blood in sperm can also be a sign of prostate cancer, often in the early stages. According to Harvard Health, the mass in the prostate can block the ejaculation tract and damage blood vessels. Although more than 86% of henospermia cases are not associated with prostate cancer, these symptoms still need to be followed up. Decreasing sperm volume can also be an indicator of prostate cancer.

Erectile difficulties or pain during ejaculation can indicate prostate disorders, including cancer. RCCA explains that the prostate plays a role in the production of sperm cells. If disturbed by cancer cells, sexual function can be disrupted.

Many men are reluctant to discuss this, even though early treatment can give better results. In addition, prostate cancer treatment such as hormone therapy, surgery, or radiation can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Uncomfortable feelings or pain when sitting can occur when prostate cancer develops and attacks the pelvic muscles or rectum walls.

"You can feel like sitting on a ball, because the enlargement of the prostate suppresses the surrounding area." said Dr. Chry.