7 Warning Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. But it’s often slow-growing. Due to this, many men live with prostate cancer for years without ever knowing they have it. When it comes to treating prostate cancer, early detection is key. The five-year survival rate for this disease is nearly 100% if it’s found early on. That’s why it’s important for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer.
Although there are no particular symptoms that are specific to prostate cancer, some of the key warning signs of this disease include:
Difficulty Urinating
Trouble urinating, including frequent urination or having a feeling that one needs to go but can’t, could be an early sign of possible prostate cancer. This may happen due to an enlarged prostate gland or a blockage of urine flow by a tumor in the prostate gland.
Pain or Burning when Urinating
This could indicate inflammation or infection of the urethra caused by bacteria, which can be treated with antibiotics. However, if the pain persists after treatment, it could indicate underlying prostate cancer.
Blood in The Urine (hematuria)
This is often caused by benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) but could also be caused by an early form of non-cancerous prostate enlargement known as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate). However, hematuria that lasts longer than two weeks may indicate more serious issues such as chronic kidney disease or bladder cancer — both of which require further investigation and treatment.
Slow or Weak Urine Flow
Most people have trouble urinating as they age. However, if one experiences a sudden weak or slow urine flow, it’s important to get the prostate checked to rule out prostate cancer.
Prostate Pain
An early symptom of prostate cancer is unexplained pain in the area, especially when sitting down. Keep in mind that this pain can also indicate an infection, but it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up with the urologist either way.
Ejaculation Issues
People who experience painful ejaculation, inability to maintain an erection, blood in the semen, or decreased volume of ejaculation, should consult with a healthcare provider to get to the bottom of the issue.
Numbness or Pain
As prostate cancer starts to progress, it can cause pain or a feeling of numbness in the hips or chest, lower back, or numbness in the feet or legs. Most people typically receive a diagnosis before the cancer reaches this point.
