The University of Cambridge researchers stated that “there is no evidence of a causal relationship between prostate cancer and prostate size or male urinary symptoms”. However, public health guidance regularly promotes this link, with an increased need to urinate high on the list of prostate cancer symptoms given on the NHS website. In a review published in the journal BMC Medicine, researchers argue that the “strong public perception” that male urinary symptoms are a key indicator of prostate cancer “may seriously hamper efforts to encourage early presentation.” “If early detection rates are to improve, we need a clear message that prostate cancer is a silent disease, especially in the curable stages, and men should be screened whether they have symptoms or not,” the paper said. “This should be done alongside other ongoing efforts to raise awareness, including targeting men who are at higher risk due to race or family history.” Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. More than 52,000 men are diagnosed with it each year and there are more than 12,000 deaths, according to Cancer Research UK. More than three-quarters (78%) of men diagnosed with the disease survive for more than 10 years, but this rate has changed little over the past decade in the UK – mainly because the disease is caught at a relatively late stage. In England nearly half of all prostate cancers are diagnosed at stage three out of four. Vincent Gnanapragasam, Professor of Urology at the University of Cambridge, said: “When most people think of prostate cancer symptoms, they think of problems urinating or having to urinate more often, particularly at night. “This misconception has persisted for decades, despite very little evidence, and potentially prevents us from picking up cases at an early stage.” While prostate enlargement can cause the urinary problems often included in public health messages, evidence suggests it is relatively rare due to malignant prostate tumors, the researchers said. In contrast, research shows that the prostate is smaller in cases of prostate cancer.
