Doctor shares 'overlooked' prostate cancer symptom after Sir Chris Hoy's health update Dr Ahmed, who has amassed over 1.3 million followers on the video-sharing app, explained that Hoy initially presented with shoulder pain, which he mistook for a gym injury (Image: Stephane Cardinale - Corbis, Corbis via Getty Images ) A medical professional has sounded the alarm about a frequently overlooked initial symptom of prostate cancer, following Sir Chris Hoy's recent health updates. The six-time Olympic gold medallist received a terminal prostate cancer diagnosis in 2023 and disclosed last year that doctors have given him a two to four-year life expectancy. ‌ "And just like that, I learn how I will die," Hoy wrote in his autobiography, All That Matters. Article continues below Read more Exact walking pace that's best for heart health according to scientists Despite his prognosis staying the same, Hoy reported an 'improvement' in his condition since rediscovering his zest for life, speaking to The Times about enjoying his cycling trips again. "It's nice that you can see progress," he remarked. ‌ "You assume that everything is heading one way, everything is getting worse, everything is going downhill, and it's not. "I've been able to get fitter in the last 18 months. Post-chemo I've been able to improve.", reports Gloucestershire Live. Now, a GP has taken to TikTok to highlight a commonly missed symptom of this widespread cancer alongside a range of other early indicators that should be on everyone's radar. ‌ Dr Ahmed stated: "Cancer in young people, it is getting more common." He pointed out that Hoy originally had shoulder pain, which was assumed to be a gym-related injury, but such discomfort may represent an "first presenting complaint" of cancer. Symptoms like back pain, shoulder pain, and enlarged lymph nodes could all potentially signal the presence of the ailment. ‌ Unfortunately, these symptoms often mean the cancer has metastasised, meaning it has already spread to other parts of the body. This was the case for Hoy, whose cancer has now spread to his bones. The GP added the most common early signs of prostate cancer are "urinary", such as needing to pass urine more often, having blood in your urine or waking up multiple times in the night needing to go to the bathroom. ‌ However, he added these symptoms can easily be missed, especially in young people. Other, but less common, signs of the disease include abdominal pain, tenesmus – the constant feeling of needing to empty your bowels or bladder, even if you already have – unexpected weight loss and "any new constipation", according to Dr Ahmed. "Like all cancers, the earlier we catch it, the more it's curable," he continued. "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." Prostate cancer is considered common – one in eight men will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives. It is more common in older men, particularly those aged 75 to 79. According to the NHS, the disease usually develops slowly, and there may be no signs for many years. Article continues below The condition is typically diagnosed using blood tests, a physical examination of the prostate, an MRI scan and/or a biopsy. Early stage treatment options for the disease can involve surgical removal of the prostate or undergoing radiotherapy.