Prostate cancer
Last updated: 5 Nov. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
Feeling the need to urinate more often at night? Noticing changes in flow or comfort? Many men experience these shifts as they age, often without realising they could be linked to prostate health.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, yet it usually develops slowly and can remain symptom-free for years.
Simple blood tests could help detect early changes long before symptoms become noticeable.
Book your consultation now to test your health
What is prostate cancer?
The prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm.
Prostate cancer happens when cells in the prostate begin to grow abnormally. Most cases progress slowly and stay confined to the gland, while others can grow or spread more quickly.
When prostate cells grow in an unbalanced way, they can affect how the gland functions, influencing urination, sexual health, and general energy levels. Detecting these changes early allows for careful monitoring and proactive steps.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
Many people don’t notice early prostate cancer symptoms, because they can overlap with natural ageing or benign prostate enlargement. Still, being aware helps you spot patterns worth testing.
Common symptoms include:
Frequent urination, especially at night
Difficulty starting or maintaining urine flow
Weak or interrupted urine stream
Feeling that the bladder isn’t fully empty
Blood in urine or semen
Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area
Less common or long-term signs may include:
Unexplained fatigue
Back or hip discomfort
Unintended weight loss
These symptoms don’t always mean cancer, but they do signal that a check-up could help. That’s why testing is so important - it brings clarity.
What causes prostate cancer?
There isn’t one single cause of prostate cancer. Instead, it develops through a mix of factors over time.
Common influences include:
Age: risk increases after 50.
Genetics: having a close relative with prostate cancer slightly raises your likelihood.
Hormone balance: testosterone and related hormones affect prostate cell growth.
Lifestyle factors: low physical activity, high-fat diets, or chronic stress may play a role.
Inflammation or previous prostate issues: long-term irritation may contribute to cell changes.
Understanding your personal risk is about awareness, not alarm, especially since many of these factors can be balanced through proactive monitoring and healthy habits.
How is prostate cancer detected?
Early detection often starts with a blood test for prostate cancer called the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. PSA is a protein made by prostate cells; small amounts are normal, but higher levels may signal inflammation, enlargement, or cancer.
Key biomarkers to check include:
PSA
Prostate-specific antigen
Shows how active your prostate cells are.
Testosterone
Supports understanding of hormonal balance, which can influence prostate health.
Inflammatory markers
CRP
Long-term irritation may contribute to cell changes.
Your doctor may combine these results with a physical exam or imaging if needed.
Elfcare’s blood tests measure these essential biomarkers, helping you spot early deviations long before they affect your daily life.
Why early detection matters
Prostate cancer usually develops slowly. That means there’s often a long window of opportunity to understand what’s happening and make thoughtful adjustments.
By checking your biomarkers early, you can:
Track changes over time and notice patterns.
Discuss proactive next steps with your healthcare provider.
Support balance through nutrition, exercise, and follow-up testing.
Early insight gives you options and peace of mind. It’s about maintaining balance, supporting long-term health, and feeling confident in how your body is functioning.
How Elfcare can help
Elfcare’s health checks include blood tests for prostate cancer and overall hormone balance. These tests measure PSA, testosterone, and other key markers that reflect your prostate and general wellbeing.
Our goal isn’t diagnosis, it’s awareness. When you understand your results, you can talk with your doctor about what they mean and take simple, informed steps to support your health.
Summary
Prostate cancer is common and often silent in its early stages. Regular testing and awareness allow you to understand your prostate’s health before symptoms appear.
By monitoring key biomarkers with Elfcare’s preventive checks, you can maintain energy, clarity, and balance at every age.
When you understand your body, you can make choices that support your focus, strength, and long-term wellbeing.
Last updated: 5 Nov. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder in men, responsible for producing part of the semen. In many cases, prostate cancer grows slowly and may not cause symptoms for years, but some types can be more aggressive and spread quickly.
In its early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include frequent urination (especially at night), a weak or interrupted urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping urination, blood in the urine or semen, and pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis. However, these signs can also result from non-cancerous prostate conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
What are common symptoms of prostate cancer?
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate problems, including cancer. If PSA levels are high, further tests such as MRI scans or a prostate biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and determine how advanced the cancer is.
Can prostate cancer be treated or managed?
Yes. Treatment depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as your age and overall health. Options include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or a combination of these. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.