Staff Reporter : New Delhi, 20th July 2026. Unlike many illnesses that cause noticeable discomfort, prostate cancer often develops quietly. In its early stages, most men experience no symptoms at all, which is why many cases are diagnosed only after the disease has progressed. While urinary changes are commonly linked to ageing or an enlarged prostate, experts say persistent symptoms should never be dismissed without medical evaluation.
According to Dr. Amit Upadhyay, Senior Consultant, Hematologist and Oncologist, PSRI Hospital, Saket, New Delhi, one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding prostate cancer is that it always causes symptoms from the beginning.
“Many men with early-stage prostate cancer may feel completely well. That’s why awareness, understanding your risk factors, and seeking timely medical advice are so important. Waiting for symptoms to worsen can delay diagnosis and treatment,” he says.
Why early detection matters
Age remains one of the strongest risk factors for prostate cancer, with the likelihood increasing significantly after the age of 50. Although urinary symptoms are often caused by benign enlargement of the prostate rather than cancer, they still require medical evaluation.
Dr. Upadhyay explains that many men delay consulting a doctor because they assume urinary changes are simply a part of growing older.
“Men often wait until these symptoms begin affecting their daily routine. However, delaying evaluation may postpone the diagnosis of a potentially serious condition. Early assessment helps identify whether the cause is harmless or needs immediate treatment.”
5 warning signs men should know
1. Frequent urination, especially at night
Needing to wake up multiple times during the night to urinate or noticing a sudden increase in urinary frequency may indicate an underlying prostate condition and should not be ignored.
2. Difficulty passing urine
A weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, straining while passing urine, or the feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely can all signal problems involving the prostate.
3. Blood in the urine or semen
Even a single episode of visible blood in the urine or semen warrants prompt medical attention and should never be overlooked.
4. Persistent pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis
Although back pain is common and often unrelated to cancer, persistent pain—particularly when accompanied by urinary symptoms—should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
5. Unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue
While these symptoms are not specific to prostate cancer, unexplained weight loss or ongoing fatigue, especially alongside other warning signs, should be investigated.
Dr. Upadhyay emphasises that these symptoms do not automatically mean a person has prostate cancer.
“Most men experiencing these symptoms do not have prostate cancer. However, symptoms alone cannot tell us what the underlying problem is. A timely medical evaluation helps determine whether the condition is benign or something that requires prompt treatment.”
Who should be more vigilant?
Men over the age of 50 and those with a family history of prostate cancer—particularly if a father or brother has been diagnosed—are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Regular health check-ups and conversations about prostate health with a doctor are especially important for these individuals, even if they feel completely healthy.
Dr. Upadhyay stresses that the objective is not to create fear but to encourage awareness.
“Prostate cancer detected at an early stage is often highly treatable. Men should not ignore persistent changes in their health or assume they are a normal part of ageing. Seeking medical advice at the right time can make a significant difference to treatment outcomes.”
