Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers that affects men. In fact, 1 in 8 men will experience it in their lifetime. Knowing prostate cancer symptoms can help men get diagnosed earlier, leading to better outcomes.
Here are seven prostate cancer symptoms you need to know.
7 Prostate Cancer Symptoms
1. No symptoms at all
This is perhaps the most concerning aspect of prostate cancer: it may cause no symptoms in the early stages. Many men feel completely fine and are surprised by a diagnosis. Waiting for symptoms to appear may mean waiting until the cancer has already progressed. That’s why regular screening helps to detect prostate cancer early, when it’s most treatable.
2. Difficulty urinating
As the prostate enlarges or becomes obstructed by a tumor, it may interfere with the flow of urine. You may notice:
- Trouble starting to urinate
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- Straining to empty the bladder
- A sense that the bladder isn’t completely emptied
These symptoms are often mistaken for normal aging or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). However, they can also be caused by prostate cancer and should be evaluated.
3. Frequent urination, especially at night
Needing to urinate more often, particularly during the night, is another common urinary symptom. You might find yourself waking up several times to use the bathroom, or feeling a constant urge to go. While common in older men, this could also point to prostate cancer and requires medical follow-up.
4. Pain or discomfort
Painful urination or ejaculation can happen in some prostate cancer cases. This is more likely if nearby nerves or tissues are affected. If the cancer spreads beyond the prostate, it may also cause deep, aching pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis, shoulders, or thighs. This is a sign that it has reached the bones. Bone pain from prostate cancer metastasis is often chronic and can affect mobility, too.
5. Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Although many cases are unrelated, unexplained ED can sometimes be linked to prostate cancer. This is more likely if the tumor affects nearby nerves or blood vessels involved in sexual function.
6. Swelling in the legs or feet
If prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it may interrupt normal lymphatic drainage. This leads to fluid buildup, leading to noticeable swelling in the lower extremities. This symptom is more common in advanced cases and can be uncomfortable or painful.
7. Numbness or weakness
In rare cases, prostate cancer can spread to the spine and compress the spinal cord. Compression may cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or even paralysis in the legs. You may also experience loss of control over your bladder or bowels. These signs are considered emergencies and require immediate medical attention.
Why Early Detection Is So Important
One of the most challenging aspects of prostate cancer is that it often produces no symptoms in its early stages. Many men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer during routine screening have no warning signs at all. By the time symptoms do appear, the cancer may have already begun to grow beyond the prostate or affect other parts of the body.
That’s why regular screening with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) is so important for men over 50 or those at higher risk. Early detection dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment.
Not All Symptoms Mean Cancer, But All Should Be Checked
Many prostate cancer symptoms overlap with other, more common conditions such as BPH, prostatitis, or urinary tract infections. However, the only way to know for sure is to get checked.
If you are experiencing any of these prostate cancer symptoms or are over 50 and haven’t been screened recently, it’s time to talk with a urologist. A simple blood test and prostate exam can offer peace of mind or help catch a problem early.
Don’t delay your prostate cancer screening – call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment today!