One of the problems with prostate cancer is that there are often few signs and symptoms associated with the early stages of the disease. Studies on early detection and cure rates are inconclusive as to whether screening and treatment reduce death rates from this disease. Many doctors, however, do believe that screening is important.
Some of the following signs and symptoms common to prostate cancer are also experienced with many noncancerous diseases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important that you follow up with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In general, the earlier that you seek treatment, the better your prognosis.
Prostate cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages. It may be found when you’ve had a PSA test or digital rectal examination. Symptoms may appear if the tumour makes the prostate larger than normal and it starts to press on the urethra. This can make passing urine more difficult or painful or you may need to go more often.
As a man gets older, the prostate may become enlarged and block the urethra or bladder. This is a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is not cancer, but the symptoms of BPH are similar to the symptoms of prostate cancer. Testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
Prostate cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages. It may be found when you’ve had a PSA test or digital rectal examination. Symptoms may appear if the tumour makes the prostate larger than normal and it starts to press on the urethra. This can make passing urine more difficult or painful or you may need to go more often.
As a man gets older, the prostate may become enlarged and block the urethra or bladder. This is a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is not cancer, but the symptoms of BPH are similar to the symptoms of prostate cancer. Testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Difficulty passing urine
- Inability to hold back urine
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Feeling like your bladder is still full even when you have just passed urine
- Blood in your urine or in your semen
- Pain or a burning sensation when you are urinating
- Pain when you ejaculate
- Pain in your back, hip or pelvic area, which could be a sign that cancer has spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, tissue or bones
