Prostate Cancer: Why It's Hard to Detect Early and Key Symptoms to Watch For

Kathmandu. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, but in most cases, it is detected very late.

Late detection makes treatment difficult. Although prostate cancer is treatable and has a high chance of successful recovery, it is difficult to detect in its early stages. It also has some symptoms that men often ignore. They do not pay attention to the symptoms of prostate cancer, considering them as problems of old age.

Why is it difficult to detect prostate cancer early?

There are several reasons why prostate cancer is not detected early.  

Slow Growth

Prostate cancer cells generally grow very slowly. Early tumors remain confined within the prostate gland and do not put pressure on surrounding organs. As the prostate is located deep within the pelvis, small tumors cause neither pain nor can be felt from the outside. 

Similarity to Common Diseases

The early symptoms of prostate cancer are often similar to common diseases like non-cancerous prostatic hyperplasia. Enlargement of the prostate gland is a normal process that occurs with aging. Men often ignore urinary problems, considering them as normal issues of old age, but they can also be signs of cancer.  

Limitations of Screening

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal examinations are essential for diagnosing this disease, but they are not always accurate. Sometimes, PSA levels can rise due to infection or other reasons, which is called a false positive.

Be Alert to These Symptoms

Although there are no symptoms in the early stages, the body starts showing some signs as the cancer progresses.

- Difficulty urinating or needing to strain

- Weak urine stream or intermittent flow

- Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night

- Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urination

- Blood in the urine

- Blood in the semen

- Sudden onset of erectile dysfunction

- Pain or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation

 If the cancer spreads outside the prostate to the bones or other organs, the problem can worsen:

 - Persistent pain in the lower back, spine, or chest

- Weakness or numbness in the legs

- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss

What to do for prevention?  

To reduce the risk of prostate cancer, it is important to have regular health check-ups after the age of 50, or after the age of 45 if there is a family history, and to undergo PSA testing as advised by a doctor.  

(Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only, always consult with a specialist or your doctor for further information.)