A doctor is warning men to go get checked out if they start to feel pain in their lower back - it could be a sign of prostate cancer.

Getting any kind of pain or discomfort around the groin area can be a worrying. Some pain could be an sign of prostate cancer as well as a number of other symptoms. Dr Kishan Vithlani, who is GP and Medical Director at Qured, NHS, says seven out of 10 men don't know what signs to look out for.

One in every eight men get diagnosed with prostate cancer, and testicular cancer is most common in young men. So, getting check out as early as possible is vital. 95 per cent of testicular cancer cases are curable if caught early on, but prostate cancer is much harder to spot, Dr Vithalani added.

Signs and symptoms

Needing to pee more frequently than usual, often during the night, and finding going to the bathroom difficult or hesitancy, could be a sign of prostate cancer. Other signs include weak flow, or feeling that your bladder has no emptied fully.

If you spot blood in your urine or blood in your semen, or feel pain in the perineum, it is time to call a doctor. One of the lesser known signs of prostate cancer includes bone or lower back pain. Loss of appetite or unintentional weight loss could also be a concern.

Dr Vithanlani explained: "Prostate cancer doesn’t usually show symptoms until the cancer has grown in size, but it’s still worth knowing what to look out for. Unlike testicular cancer, prostate cancer doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on surrounding structures such as the urinary tracts or muscles and bones in the pelvis."

The NHS doctor added that men should be getting checked every two years by their GP. He added: "The recommended age is 50 and over, but research shows that prostate cancer can happen in men of all ages. So, if you have risk factors such as a family history of cancer, I’d recommend asking for a prostate check routinely, whilst having a general check up by your GP."

Whilst prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men overall, testicular cancer is most common in younger men in their 20s and early 30s. Mr Vithanlani warns that you should see a doctor if you experience a lump in your testicle, your testicles are swollen or painful, there is a change in the shape of your testicles, one testicle has become a lot bigger than the other, and wasn’t previously, or any aching or discomfort in your testicles that does not go away.

How to check yourself for prostate or testicular cancer

‌Explaining how to check for these signs, the NHS expert added: "It’s important to regularly (at least once a month) self-examine for unusual lumps and bumps, which can alert men to testicular cancer early on. To do this, first stand in front of a mirror so you have a clear view of your testicles and will be able to notice if they’re swollen or have changed in size.

"Examine each testicle with both hands. Place the index and middle fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top. Roll the testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers. You shouldn't feel any pain or lumps but it can be normal to have mild discomfort. Don’t panic if one testicle seems slightly larger than the other, as this is perfectly normal.

"There’s also no need to worry if you feel the soft, tube-like structure behind the testicles (called the epididymis). It can be common to get lumps here, which are usually only cysts and are virtually never cancerous, but you should still get it checked out by your doctor."

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s really important to see your doctor straight away.

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