Some cancers such as prostate cancer develop very gradually, according to the NHS. This means they may not present with any signs for years. It is estimated that 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer, with below aged 50 and above and black men being at higher risk. Although not always life-threatening, the chances of curing it are much higher if diagnosed early. Medics say not to ignore pain in these three parts of your body as they could signal the presence of the tumour.
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Pain and prostate cancer
It is fairly common to feel pain in your lower back or hips when you lift something too heavy, or you’ve exercised too hard. But, if the pain you feel in these parts of your body including your pelvis does not respond to common pain medication, you might want to have it checked out. Dr Jiri Kubes, medical director of Proton Therapy Centre Prague explained to express.co.uk:
It can be easy to ignore these aches or put them down to something else, such as sleeping in the wrong position or the result of the twisting and turning our bodies do every day.
According to Prostatecancer.net, these types of aches, if related to the prostate cancer, means the tumour has advanced, spreading to the bones.
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Pay attention
Apart from these signs, some men with prostate cancer experience urinary problems as well, Prostate Cancer UK states. The problems can be mild and may be a sign of benign prostate problem and not cancer.
Age and ethnicity aside, having a male relative who’s had the disease increases your risk as well, the prostate cancer research body adds. It’s why Dr Kubes wants men to pay attention to their bodies:
It’s vital that men are in tune with their bodies and are on alert for any changes, no matter how little or unimportant they might seem at first.
Sources used:
Express.co.uk: 'Niggling' pain in 3 areas could signal prostate cancer - most 'commonly ignored' symptom
NHS: Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer UK: What is the prostate?
Prostatecancer.net: Is pain a sign of prostate cancer?
