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Warning-sign checks

Prostate cancer: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help for:

    • New leg weakness or difficulty walking
    • Numbness around the genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs
    • New loss of bladder or bowel control
    • Severe back pain with weakness or numbness
    • Chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or confusion

    The combination of back pain and new nerve symptoms can indicate pressure on the spinal cord and needs immediate assessment.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if you suddenly cannot pass urine or develop fever or chills after a prostate biopsy or during treatment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you develop persistent urinary changes, blood in urine or semen, erection changes, or ongoing pain in the back, hips, or pelvis.

    These symptoms often have causes other than cancer, but they should be assessed.

    If you have already been diagnosed, contact your cancer team about new symptoms, treatment side effects, worsening pain, or concerns about follow-up.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Prostate cancer. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.