Early Symptoms and How to Spot Them
Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men, especially those over the age of 50. The prostate is a small gland that sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its main job is to produce some of the fluid found in semen. Because prostate cancer often grows slowly, it may not cause symptoms right away. Knowing what to look for can help you get diagnosed earlier and begin treatment sooner. Below are ten warning signs of prostate cancer that men should be aware of.
1. Trouble Starting or Stopping Urine Flow
When the prostate enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and make it hard to start urinating. Some men also find it difficult to stop and they may notice dribbling after finishing. While these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous prostate conditions, it’s still important to have them checked.
2. Needing to Urinate Often
One of the first changes many men notice is having to urinate more frequently, especially during the night. This happens when the prostate grows large enough to press on the bladder or the urethra. Even if your bladder isn’t full, you may feel like you need to go. Waking up several times a night to use the bathroom is a good reason to talk with your doctor.
3. Pain or Burning While Urinating
A burning sensation or pain during urination could signal irritation, infection or possibly cancer in the prostate. Infections of the bladder or prostate can cause similar discomfort but, if the pain continues or returns often, it’s important to see a healthcare provider.
4. Blood in Urine or Semen
Noticing blood in your urine or semen can be frightening. The color may range from bright red to a darker brown. While infections or small injuries can sometimes cause this, blood can also be a sign of prostate cancer and should always be checked by a doctor.
5. Weak or Interrupted Stream
If your urine stream is weak or stops and starts, it might mean that the prostate is pressing on the urethra. This can prevent your bladder from emptying completely, leading to discomfort or more frequent trips to the bathroom. Over time, it may also increase the risk of bladder infections.
6. Painful Ejaculation
Some men with prostate cancer feel pain when ejaculating. This discomfort may come from changes in the prostate or pressure on nearby nerves. Even if the pain is mild, it’s best to bring it up with your healthcare provider.
7. Pain in the Back, Hips or Pelvis
If prostate cancer spreads beyond the gland, it can reach nearby bones. This may cause deep, ongoing pain in areas such as the lower back, hips or thighs. Persistent bone pain that doesn’t go away should be evaluated promptly.
8. Erectile Dysfunction
Prostate cancer or its treatments can interfere with the nerves and blood vessels that control erections. While erectile dysfunction is common with aging, sudden or worsening problems, especially when paired with urinary symptoms, deserve medical attention.
9. Fatigue and Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexpected weight loss or constant tiredness can be general warning signs that something is wrong in the body. In later stages of prostate cancer, fatigue may result from the body’s effort to fight the disease or from a drop in red blood cell count (anemia).
10. Swelling in the Legs or Feet
When prostate cancer blocks lymph or blood flow in the pelvis, fluid can build up in the lower body. This swelling, known as edema, may cause your legs or feet to feel tight, heavy or uncomfortable. It often appears in more advanced stages of the disease.
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
Treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is, your overall health and personal preferences. Here are some common treatment choices available.
- Surgery (Prostatectomy). Removes part or all of the prostate gland and is often used when cancer is limited to the prostate.
- Active surveillance. For slow-growing prostate cancers, doctors may suggest close monitoring instead of immediate treatment. This approach includes regular exams, blood tests and imaging.
- Hormone therapy. Reduces or blocks male hormones such as testosterone, which fuel the growth of prostate cancer.
- Chemotherapy. Uses medications to kill cancer cells that have spread to other areas of the body.
- Radiation therapy. Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation can be given externally or through tiny radioactive seeds placed in the prostate.
- Targeted and immunotherapies. Newer treatments that help the immune system find and attack cancer cells or focus on weaknesses in the cancer’s DNA.
Because prostate cancer often grows slowly and shows few symptoms early on, regular checkups and prostate screenings are key. Catching the disease in its early stages greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and long-term health.