Prostate Cancer Symptoms

The earlier prostate cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. However, because prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms in its early stages, someone could have prostate cancer and not know it. This is why screening with the PSA blood test is very important. The PSA remains the best way to diagnose prostate cancer as early as possible.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

When men experience symptoms, they usually include the following:

• Weak or interrupted (“stop-and-go”) flow of urine
• Sudden urge to urinate
• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Trouble starting the flow of urine
• Trouble emptying the bladder completely
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Blood in the urine or semen
• A pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away

These symptoms are similar to another non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), an enlargement of the prostate that can occur as a man ages. The prostate may get bigger and block the urethra or bladder, causing trouble urinating or sexual problems. Even though it’s not cancer, surgery may be needed.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it does not mean that you have prostate cancer. All of these symptoms can be caused by other health problems. Still, it’s important to speak with your provider about any symptoms that last longer than two weeks. It could very well be nothing, but it’s best to know for sure what’s going on in your body so that you can get whatever care you may need.