A prostate cancer specialist is raising awareness of seven key symptoms to keep an eye out for amid Joe Biden being diagnosed with an 'aggressive' form of the disease.
The former president of the United States' personal office released a statement yesterday (May 18) revealing he's been diagnosed with prostate cancer 'characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone'.
"While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management," the statement noted. "The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians."
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And now, a urological surgeon has since weighed in, raising awareness of some of the main symptoms of prostate cancer which might've otherwise been easily dismissed.
Consultant Urological Surgeon at Cromwell Hospital, Professor Hashim Ahmed, told Metro there are seven signs to look out for - six out of seven all to do with when it comes to going for a wee.
Needing to urinate more often
If you've found yourself feeling the urge to wee more often, this could be something to keep an eye on.
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You could end up having to nip to the loo more often during the day or this could be particularly highlighted if you find yourself waking up in the night to go to the loo.
This urge to wee more could also be a sign you're not able to fully empty your bladder.
Your bladder never feeling truly empty
If you always feel like you have something in your bladder, it could mean something is blocking the urine flowing through and there is resultantly residual urine left bobbing about.
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And symptoms such as how easily you can start and stop urinating are also worth looking out for too.
Difficulty starting urinating
If you're getting to the loo but finding it hard to actually get the urine flowing so to speak, this could be a potential sign of potential trouble.
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Urine can struggle to flow through to the urethra and out if something like an enlarged prostate or tumor is blocking its way.
On the other hand, having difficulty stopping the flow is also something to take note of.
Difficulty stopping
If you find it difficult to stop your flow or even find a little dribble or leak occurs after, it may be time to check in - and no, we don't mean reaching for your phone to Google your symptoms, but booking in to raise any concerns with a doctor.
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And your overall flow of urine can say something about your health too.
Overall pace to flow of urine
If your urine has as weak flow, it could mean something is pressing on your urethra. And the next sign is a pretty important one to keep track of.
Blood in urine or semen
Spotting blood in your urine or semen can be an early-stage sign of prostate cancer, so no matter if you spotted it just once or multiple times, it's important to check it out with a doctor.
And the next symptom can rear it's head particularly during sex.
Erectile dysfunction
If you find yourself struggling to get or maintain an erection or find it painful to ejaculate, alongside ejaculating less semen then you normally would, keep a note and share your findings with a doctor.
Other symptoms listed by Mayo Clinic include blood in the semen, back pain, bone pain, feeling very tired, losing weight 'without trying' and 'weakness in the arms or legs'.
Professor Ahmed reassured many of these symptoms are 'temporary' and can also be 'caused by other problems' but echoed it's best to go to a doctor to share your concerns if worried.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Poppy Bilderbeck