The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland. It sits just below the bladder in men and surrounds the urethra- the tube that carries urine out of the body. This gland produces a fluid that, together with sperm, forms semen.
As you age, your prostate will often continue to grow. There is also a risk that it will develop cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It often develops slowly and might not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Because of this, routine screening, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or a digital rectal exam, is important. In addition, being aware of potential prostate cancer signs, both early and late-onset, can help you detect issues as soon as possible.
5 Early Signs of Prostate Cancer
When symptoms do appear, they can be subtle and easy to overlook. Here are 5 early signs to watch for:
- Frequent urination. You might find yourself needing to go to the bathroom more often, especially at night. This can be due to the prostate gland pressing against the urethra as it grows.
- Difficulty starting urination. You may notice that it takes longer for the urine stream to begin, or you might experience a weak or interrupted flow of urine.
- A burning sensation or pain while urinating.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, as they can also be caused by other non-cancerous conditions, like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis.
5 Later Signs of Prostate Cancer
As prostate cancer progresses, it may cause more noticeable symptoms that can impact other parts of your body as well. This can be an indication that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland, making treatment more complex. Later signs of prostate cancer include:
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or thighs. As prostate cancer grows, it can spread to nearby tissues and bones, leading to persistent pain or stiffness in these areas.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control. Advanced prostate cancer can affect the nerves and muscles that control your bladder and bowel, leading to incontinence or increasing difficulty passing urine or stool.
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss.
- Persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
- Swelling in the legs. Prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes can cause fluid buildup, leading to swelling in your lower limbs.
What Should I Do If I Notice One of These Symptoms?
Contact your urologist right away. Prostate cancer is highly treatable, especially when caught early.
Early-stage prostate cancer can often be managed effectively with treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, or active surveillance. Active surveillance means monitoring the cancer closely without immediate treatment.
When prostate cancer is detected in its later stages, treatment options are still available but may be more intensive, and the prognosis might not be as favorable. Advanced treatments like hormone therapy or chemotherapy can help manage the disease. Often, the goal is to control symptoms and slow the cancer’s progression rather than to cure it.
If you have concerns about your prostate health, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our specialists. Remember, with a prompt diagnosis, your chances of successful treatment and recovery are better.
Don’t continue to wonder if your urinary problems are signs of prostate cancer – schedule an appointment today!