Most men with early-stage prostate cancer show no symptoms, making regular screenings crucial. While urinary changes are often due to benign conditions like an enlarged prostate, they can also signal more serious issues, including cancer—so it’s best to consult a doctor.

According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. Alarmingly, the risk has risen by 45% in recent years, partly due to skipped screening appointments.

Experts stress the importance of regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. A 20-year European study involving over 72,000 men showed that screenings can reduce prostate cancer deaths by 20%.

Men who skipped screenings had a 23% higher risk of dying from the disease. Lead researcher Dr. Renée Leenen suggests these men may generally avoid healthcare, highlighting the urgent need to address why screenings are often missed.