Recent news surrounding King Charles III’s treatment for an enlarged prostate and an undisclosed form of cancer have thrust conversations about the conditions into the spotlight.

Dr. Hanbo Zhang, a physician based in Winnipeg, said prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. He adds the risk of developing the disease increases with age – particularly for men 50 and over.

Dr. Zhang said those changes could include having trouble urinating, making more trips to the bathroom, experiencing decreased flow, and finding blood in the urine. He said these are all signs to book a doctor’s appointment.

He adds men should also start screening for prostate cancer at the age of 50. One of the common ways of detection is through a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, PSA is a protein made by prostate cells. It is mostly found in semen, but small amounts of PSA can also be found in blood. Higher levels of PSA in the blood can be caused by prostate cancer or other conditions including an enlarged prostate or urinary tract infection.

Dr. Zhang is also urging people over 50 to get tested for another common form of cancer.

The risk of colorectal cancer – which starts in the cells of the colon or rectum – also increases with age. The disease often develops from tissue growth called polyps.

CancerCare Manitoba has a ColonCheck program in place. The organization sends test kits to eligible Manitobans once they turn 50. Details on the program are available through CancerCare Manitoba’s website.