Cancer affecting the prostate and testicles can occur at very different stages of life. Prostate cancer becomes more common with age, while testicular cancer most often affects younger men. Knowing your personal risk, recognizing changes, and discussing appropriate checks with a doctor can support earlier diagnosis and timely treatment.
Prostate and testicular cancers affect different parts of the male reproductive system, and their warning signs are not always obvious.
Prostate cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Difficulty starting urination or a weaker urine stream
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Back or bone pain, unexplained weight loss, or weakness in more advanced disease
Important: Urinary symptoms, such as a weak urine stream or frequent urination, do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer. These symptoms are also common in benign prostate enlargement (BPH), a noncancerous condition. A medical evaluation is needed to determine the underlying cause.
Age is an important risk factor. Family history and certain inherited genetic changes can also increase risk. Around age 50, men should discuss prostate cancer screening with a healthcare professional. Men at higher risk may need to start the conversation earlier.
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test can help identify men who may need further assessment. However, a high PSA level does not automatically mean cancer. Benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, and other conditions can also raise PSA levels. Depending on the findings, further evaluation may include a digital rectal examination, prostate MRI, or biopsy.
Testicular cancer is much less common overall but occurs most often in younger men, particularly between ages 15 and 45. Possible warning signs include:
- A new, often painless lump or swelling in one testicle
- A change in the size or firmness of a testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Testicular or scrotal pain or discomfort (less common)
Men should become familiar with what is normal for their testicles. Any new lump, swelling, or unexplained change should be assessed promptly. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, including in many cases where it has spread.
The Bumrungrad Urology Department provides evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and other urological conditions, with specialist assessment and appropriate imaging, laboratory testing and treatment planning.
Provided by the Urology Department at Bumrungrad International Hospital
