Nipping to the toilet during sleeping hours is common and not normally something to worry about. But it’s time to call a GP if you notice you’re now frequently getting up in the night as it could be a sign of nocturia, which can be caused by prostate cancer.
Dr Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist at the Proton Therapy Center, said: “Getting up to use the toilet in the night is very common and tends to occur more often as we age, so it’s not something to be concerned about on its own. But if you notice changes to your toilet habits, such as a new need to empty your bladder more often, then it’s always worth getting checked out.
“The same goes for any other changes in urinary habits that are unusual for you.”
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in UK men, with around 55,000 new cases each year, according to Cancer Research UK. It affects the walnut-sized prostate gland and symptoms usually only appear once the cancer has grown large enough to place pressure on the urethra, which carries urine out of the bladder.
Other symptoms include difficulty starting to pee, having a weak flow or straining while peeing. Feeling as if your bladder has not fully emptied can also be a warning sign. Dr Kubes continued: “Lots of men develop an enlarged prostate as they get older because of a non-cancerous condition called benign prostate enlargement.
“Many of these changes in urinary function are associated with this, so they are not necessarily a sign you have cancer. It’s always a good idea to discuss any changes in your toilet habits with your doctor so they can investigate the cause of the symptoms and rule out something sinister.”
Men who are over the age of 50 are more at risk of prostate cancer, as are people with a family history of the disease and members of the black community. Dr Kubes continued: “Identifying cancer as soon as possible can mean more effective treatment options.
“Proton beam therapy is available for prostate cancer and has the potential to offer fewer side effects. That’s because it uses a highly-charged proton beam to target cancer cells with pencil-point precision, which ensures surrounding tissues and organs are more protected.
“In an area as delicate as the prostate this can mean protecting things like urinary and sexual function.”
