STARTLING SIDE-EFFECTS

Prostate cancer takes its toll

What are the signs and symptoms?

The most common symptom is the need to urinate frequently, especially at night. You may also have difficulty starting urination or holding back urine, or have a weak or interrupted urine flow. Some men may also notice difficulty in having an erection, painful ejaculation or see blood in urine or semen.

Other signs include frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs, which can signal that prostate cancer has spread.

When should you get checked?

If you're over 50, ask your GP if you need a PSA test. If you're Black or you have a family history of prostate cancer, do it at 45 because these groups are 2.5 times more likely to get the disease.

What are the benefits of getting diagnosed earlier?

Research suggests treatment at stages 1 and 2 has a near 100 per cent survival rate compared with around 50 per cent at stage 4.