Things not to miss: gentlemen

JUST SAYING! As much as I believe you should not ignore these symptoms, they may not be anything to worry about. So, I suggest DO NOT PANIC, but please see a healthcare professional to assess you properly.

Prostate cancer

Black men have a higher risk of prostate cancer and more likely to have the more worrying types of prostate cancer. The symptoms, however, are not always obvious.

AI generated image by WIX

Some sources advise that black men should check their prostate when they are 45 years old or older because the risk is high.

To check your prostate you would need a blood test called prostate specific antigen (PSA) and a physical examination where the clinician will put a gloved finger into your back passage (where you poo from) where they can feel your prostate. If the PSA or the examination is abnormal, then I would suggest referral to Urologist to assess your prostate further. This assessment may include a cystoscopy where they use a camera through the penis to look at the prostate or, sometimes they use a type of MRI scan.

I know the examination doesn't sound appealing but the fact of the matter is, that is the way it can be checked. In general, cancers caught early have better chance of treatment and cure. Please don't let embarrassment get in the way of your health.

As I said, unfortunately, prostate cancer doesn't always cause symptoms , especially in the early stages, but some things to go see your doctor about include;

• blood in your urine

• blood in your semen

• back pain that is new and unusual for you.

• weight loss that you cannot explain

• problems with your erection

Some other symptoms to also look out for include difficulty passing urine, you may notice you have to wait a while before the urine comes, the urine stream may not be as forceful as it used to be, you may notice dribbling after passing urine or having to go back to pass urine shortly after you have just been, or holding onto urine that you can't pass.

Useful resources

https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/risk-and-symptoms/black-men-and-prostate-cancer

Disclaimer: All my posts aim to provide general health information and are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for personal health concerns.