Doctor shares early symptom of prostate cancer often overlooked as Chris Hoy diagnosed

A GP has highlighted a symptom of prostate cancer that's frequently missed, following Sir Chris Hoy's heartbreaking revelation about his prognosis. The six-time Olympic champion recently disclosed that he's been given a life expectancy of two to four years, after initially sharing news of his diagnosis months earlier.

"And just like that, I learn how I will die," Hoy penned in his latest book, 'All That Matters'. A doctor took to TikTok to discuss the often overlooked symptom and other early warning signs of the illness.

Dr Ahmed noted: "Cancer in young people, it is getting more common."

READ MORE - Over 100,000 patients left on trolleys in Irish hospitals this year

READ MORE - 'Nobody can pronounce my child's name - I've explained it several times'

He pointed out that Hoy first experienced shoulder pain, which was mistaken for an injury from working out, yet this can be the "first presenting complaint" of the cancer. Symptoms such as back pain, shoulder pain, and swollen lymph nodes are indicators of the disease, which may suggest it has metastasised, or spread to other body parts, as with Hoy's cancer now affecting his bones.

The GP also mentioned that the most typical early symptoms of prostate cancer involve urinary issues, including frequent urination, blood in urine, or nocturia. However, these signs can be easily overlooked, particularly in younger individuals, reports Surrey Live.

Dr Ahmed rings the alarm on less typical symptoms of prostate cancer, including abdominal pain, persistent urges to empty the bowels or bladder known as tenesmus, unexpected weight loss, and "any new constipation". "Like all cancers, the earlier we catch it, the more it's curable," Dr Ahmed asserts.

"For example, if we catch prostate cancer at an early stage, almost all men will be fully cured."

"However, if it's an advanced stage, only 28% of men will become cured."

The illness is far from rare – striking one in eight lads at some point in their lifetimes, with elderly gents, especially those between 75 to 79 years old, being the most susceptible. The HSE points out that prostate troubles usually creep up slowly, often remaining undetectable for ages.

Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, a cautious check of the prostate, an MRI scan, and occasionally a biopsy. For those nabbing the disease early on, treatment might mean a surgical removal of the prostate or a spell of radiotherapy.

Sign up to the Irish Mirror's daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox