Prostate Cancer Cases Rising: Is Frequent Nighttime Urination a Sign?
London, UK – New data underscores the increasing prevalence of prostate cancer, prompting health officials to urge men to be aware of potential symptoms, including frequent nighttime urination. While not always indicative of cancer, changes in urinary habits can be an early warning sign, alongside improved survival rates linked to earlier diagnosis.
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces fluid for semen. The disease often grows slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Though, as it progresses, it can lead to difficulties with urination, a common symptom that frequently enough manifests as needing to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
Treatment options depend on the stage and growth rate of the cancer. Main treatments include surgery – a radical prostatectomy involving removal of the prostate gland – radiotherapy, and hormone treatment. In England, 7% of men with low-risk localised prostate cancer and 69% of those with high-risk, advanced disease undergo surgery. However, surgery can have meaningful side effects, including impotence and incontinence.
“For many men with early stage, slow-growing prostate cancer, immediate treatment isn’t always needed,” says Holly Knight, a specialist nurse at Prostate Cancer UK. “Rather, they might potentially be offered ‘active surveillance’, which means regular PSA blood tests, check-ups, and sometimes scans or biopsies. The aim is to monitor the cancer closely and only start treatment if it shows signs of growing.”
Survival rates for prostate cancer have dramatically improved. “Survival has more than tripled since the 1970s. More than 80% of men diagnosed now survive their disease for 10 years or more, compared with just 22% 50 years ago,” states Turabi. Early detection is crucial; Cancer Research UK data shows over 85% of men diagnosed at stages 1 or 2 survive at least 10 years, falling to approximately 80% at stage 3, and 19% at stage 4.
“This gap shows just how important early diagnosis is,” says Spink. “Most prostate cancers grow slowly and are highly treatable when found early. But too many men in the UK are still diagnosed only once the cancer has already spread.”
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, lifestyle factors can play a role. Research indicates that around four in 10 cancers are preventable through healthy habits. Eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, and increasing exercise can all contribute to reducing cancer risk. A recent study found that getting fitter can reduce prostate cancer risk by 35%.
