A doctor has urged people to see their GP if they notice two symptoms. These could be signs of prostate cancer - the most common form of cancer in men in the UK.

Analysis of the most recent NHS figures by Prostate Cancer UK found more than 64,000 men were diagnosed with the disease in 2022. AndCancer Research UK says between 2017 and 2019, 28 per cent of all new male cancer cases in the UK were prostate cancer.

Doctor Jiri Kubes, radiation oncologist and medical director of the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague, Czech Republic, who specialises in prostate cancer and proton therapy, issued a warning. He said: “It’s a sad fact that many men are still being diagnosed far too late.”

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Dr Kubes says early diagnosis is crucial, as the earlier it is detected the easier it is to treat. This means going to see a doctor at the very earliest opportunity. He highlighted two key signs that should be investigated.

According to Dr Kubes, men should speak to their GP if they are experiencing any urinary symptoms, any unusual pain around the lower back or pelvis, or if they fall into any of the “at risk” groups and are concerned.

The NHS lists urinary symptoms of prostate cancer as:

• Finding it difficult to start peeing or straining to pee


• Having a weak flow of urine


• "Stop start" peeing


• Needing to pee urgently or often, or both


• Feeling like you still need to pee when you've just finished


• Peeing during the night

Dr Kubes said: “Although much improvement has been made in terms of diagnosis, we still need to ensure men are speaking to their doctors at the very earliest opportunities. This is difficult because prostate cancer often comes without symptoms in the early stages.”

However, it is important to note that these symptoms typically only occur when the disease has progressed. He continued: “In many cases symptoms only arise once the tumour is big enough to place pressure on the urethra, which is the tube running from the bladder.

“When this happens, we can see urinary symptoms such as needing to pee more frequently, waking often in the night to pee, hesitancy and a weak flow, among others. But ideally we want to be catching the cancer before this happens. This means speaking to your GP if you fall into any of the ‘at risk’ groups.”

The NHS lists other prostate cancer symptoms as:

• Erectile dysfunction (being unable to get or keep an erection)


• Blood in your urine or blood in your semen


• Lower back pain and losing weight without trying to (these may be symptoms of advanced prostate cancer)

The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, with men over the age of 50 more likely to be diagnosed. Dr Kubes suggests screening is advised for men over the age of 45 if they fall into an “at risk” group. Those with a family history, such as a father or brother who has had the disease, also have a higher chance of getting prostate cancer.

Black men are also at a greater risk, with around one in four being diagnosed in their lifetime, compared to one in eight white men.

Dr Kubes said: “At present there is no national screening programme for prostate cancer so we are relying on men to visit their GP if they notice anything unusual with their toilet habits, and also if they fall into any of the ‘at risk’ groups. If you are worried about prostate cancer then you can speak to your GP about a PSA test which can measure the level of prostate specific antigen in the blood.

“The test is not perfect but it can detect abnormalities which is important in early detection. It’s important to note that experiencing urinary symptoms does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer.

“Changes to the prostate are very common as men age. But it’s always worth getting checked to make sure. There is no need for any embarrassment.”