Former UK Prime Minister reveals prostate cancer battle - Highlights key symptoms men should not ignore

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron recently disclosed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year and has since undergone treatment. In Hong Kong, prostate cancer ranks as the third most common cancer among men, with approximately 3,000 new cases annually, leading to over 500 deaths. What urinary symptoms or other signs might men with prostate cancer experience?

Former UK PM David Cameron Discloses Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

In an interview with The Times, Cameron revealed that, encouraged by his wife, he underwent a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test during a routine check-up. The results showed a worryingly high PSA level. Following a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and a biopsy, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He underwent minimally invasive surgery with localised treatment in June this year, and follow-up tests indicated the treatment was successful. 

He expressed feeling "huge relief" after the surgery.Cameron stated, "Men are often embarrassed about talking about their prostates and things like that, because it's related to sexual health and other aspects. But having been through this, I think it's important to speak out. I had the scan that found the problem and gave me the chance to fix it."

7 Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer: 4 Urinary Warning Signs You Might Have It

According to information from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority, an enlarged prostate is common in older men, and the vast majority of cases are benign growths. However, when cells undergo genetic mutations and become malignant, this is prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, commonly the bones and lymph nodes.

Prostate cancer is typically a slow-growing cancer, and a tumour may be present for many years without being detected. In its early stages, there are usually no obvious symptoms. If one or more of the following symptoms appear, it may indicate the tumour is growing or has begun to spread:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty urinating, struggling to pass urine
• A burning sensation or pain during urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pain in the pelvis
• Pain in the spine
• Swelling in the legs

Since most of these symptoms are very similar to those of a general enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), it is crucial to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. If pain is noticed in the pelvis, back, or hips, it may indicate the disease has advanced and the cancer has spread to other areas.

If prostate cancer patients do not receive appropriate treatment, the condition may worsen, potentially leading to the following:

• Cancer Metastasis: Prostate cancer may spread via lymphatic vessels to nearby lymph nodes. It can also metastasize to bones, commonly the pelvis, lumbar spine, femur, and ribs, or to other organs like the lungs, liver, pleura, kidneys, adrenal glands, and brain.
• Pain: If the cancer spreads to the bones, some patients may experience significant pain.

6 Major Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

The Hospital Authority points out that individuals in the following categories have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer:

• Age: 50 years and older
• Genetics: Men with a family history of prostate cancer have a significantly increased risk.
• Diet: Long-term consumption of high-calorie, high-fat foods
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Prostate conditions (e.g., certain precursor lesions)