Signs such as back pain could indicate something more serious
Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
12:45, 31 Jan 2026
An oncologist has warned men to seek help if they experience two symptoms(Image: Getty)
An oncologist has advised people to consult their GP if they observe two specific symptoms, which could potentially indicate prostate cancer. This is now the most prevalent type of cancer among men in the UK.
An analysis of the latest NHS statistics by Prostate Cancer UK revealed that over 64,000 men were diagnosed with the disease in 2022. Furthermore, Cancer Research UK reported that between 2017 and 2019, prostate cancer accounted for 28 per cent of all new male cancer cases in the UK.
Doctor Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist and medical director at the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague, Czech Republic, who specialises in prostate cancer and proton therapy, issued a cautionary statement. He expressed: “It’s a sad fact that many men are still being diagnosed far too late.”
Dr Kubes emphasises the importance of early diagnosis, as timely detection significantly eases treatment. This necessitates seeking medical advice at the earliest possible instance.
Certain urinary symptoms can occur if the tumour is big enough to place pressure on the urethra(Image: Getty)
He pointed out two primary symptoms that warrant investigation. According to Dr Kubes, men should approach their GP if they encounter any urinary symptoms, any unusual discomfort around the lower back or pelvis, or if they belong to any of the “at risk” groups and have concerns.
The NHS identifies the urinary symptoms of prostate cancer as:
Difficulty initiating urination or straining to urinateWeak urine flowIntermittent urinationUrgent or frequent need to urinate, or bothFeeling the urge to urinate immediately after finishingUrinating during the night
Dr Kubes explained: “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.”
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to understand that these warning signs usually only manifest once the condition has advanced. He added: “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.”
Additional indicators of prostate cancer, according to the NHS, include:Erectile dysfunction (being unable to get or keep an erection)Blood in your urine or blood in your semenLower back pain and losing weight without trying to (these may be symptoms of advanced prostate cancer)
If you are worried about prostate cancer then you can speak to your GP about a PSA test(Image: Getty)
Those considered at higher risk
The likelihood of developing prostate cancer rises with advancing years, particularly affecting men beyond 50. Dr Kubes recommends that gentlemen aged 45 and above who belong to an “at risk” category should consider screening.
Individuals with relatives, particularly a father or sibling, who have been affected by the illness face an elevated risk of developing prostate cancer themselves. Black men face an elevated risk, with approximately one in four receiving a diagnosis during their lifetime, in contrast to one in eight white men.
Dr Kubes explained: “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.”