Many blokes struggle to open up about their health, especially when it comes to sensitive areas.
But one doctor has revealed the four symptoms that men should never ignore and when they need to see their GP.
Petr Holy, a consultant urologist at Men’s Health Clinic in Kingston upon Thames, South West London, has encouraged men to open up to their GPs about anything that might be out of the ordinary.
It comes after former TOWIE star Mark Wright revealed he had a tumour removed amid a cancer scare.
He explained he found the lump in his “breast/armpit area” and was told not to worry – but returned to medics when it started to grow.
Dr Holy said: “It’s still difficult for many men to talk about personal health matters but we really need to become better at this. Keep a close eye on any changes to toilet habits, the function of sexual organs and lumps and bumps down below.
“Most of the time it won’t indicate anything serious but it’s always better to check it out.”
Here are the four symptoms men should never ignore.
1. Lumps and bumps
Unusual growths or lumps in the nether regions can be a sign of genital warts so it’s important to visit a sexual health clinic to be checked out.
Lumps and swelling on the testicles should also be checked out by a GP, Dr Holy said.
Dr Holy said: “If there’s changes to the shape or size of your testicles, or you find lumps or swelling, always speak to a doctor.
“More often than not the cause is nothing serious, but it should always be checked out.”
Breast cancer doesn’t just affect women, so it’s key that if you see a lump around your breast area or arm pit that you get it checked out.
2. Changes to toilet habits
If you’ve noticed a change to your toilet habits then it could be linked to cancer, Dr Holy said.
As men get older, many may experience changes in how often they need to use the loo.
Dr Holy said: “Having a weak flow and stopping and starting a lot when you go to the toilet could be a sign of changes to the prostate.
“If you feel like your bladder has not fully emptied when you go to the toilet, this should also be checked out.”
Dr Holy explained that early detection for prostate cancer is key and that you shouldn’t wait for symptoms to develop and get worse before you see anyone.
A change is toilet habits is also a sign of bowel cancer – but this is not specific to just men.
3. Blood in the urine or semen
Dr Holy explained that urological problems and disorders can take on many different signs.
In addition, many diseases and disorders associated with urology can have similar symptoms.
“Blood in the urine or semen could be an indicator of a number of things, but should never be ignored”, he added.
This could include an enlarged prostate, kidney stones or a urinary tract infection.
4. Pain
If you experience any pain in the groin or testicles, Dr Holy says it’s worth getting checked out.
He added: “Sometimes pain in the testicles can be a sign of prostate inflammation and enlargement.
“It’s also important to point out that many men with prostate cancer will have no symptoms at all. If you have a family history of the disease or are identified as being at risk, discuss what options you have with your doctor.
“A PSA test can monitor the level of prostate specific antigen in their blood but the test isn’t perfect, so it should be used alongside other diagnostic tools.”