Think It's Just Ageing? Experts Warn Men Against Ignoring Signs of Prostate Cancer

Frequent urination, a weak urine stream or difficulty passing urine are often dismissed as a normal part of ageing. However, healthcare experts caution that these seemingly common symptoms could also be early warning signs of prostate cancer, a disease that is becoming increasingly common among Indian men. They stress that greater awareness and timely medical evaluation are key to improving outcomes.

Prostate cancer often develops silently, with many patients experiencing no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may include frequent urination—especially at night—difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow, blood in the urine or semen, or persistent pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis. While these symptoms may also be caused by non-cancerous prostate enlargement, experts say they should never be ignored.

"One of the biggest challenges in prostate cancer management is delayed diagnosis because many men assume urinary symptoms are simply age-related or hesitate to seek medical advice. Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early. Men above the age of 50, particularly those with a family history of the disease, should undergo regular screening and consult a specialist if they notice persistent urinary changes. Early detection not only improves survival but also offers better treatment options," said Dr. Atul Sharma, Medical Oncologist, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Noida.

"Most urinary symptoms are not caused by cancer, but only a medical evaluation can determine the underlying cause. Unfortunately, many patients delay seeking care until symptoms begin affecting their quality of life. We need to encourage men to prioritise routine prostate health check-ups and create greater awareness around early diagnosis, as timely intervention can significantly improve outcomes," said Dr. Anil Mandhani, Chairman – Urology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram.

Experts emphasise that listening to one's body, recognising persistent urinary changes and seeking timely medical advice can help detect prostate cancer early, when treatment is most effective.