Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer affecting men in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, estimates for the year 2018 alone reveal around 164,690 new cases and 29,430 associated deaths.

“A simple rectal exam which takes less than a minute and a yearly PSA blood test starting at age 40 are good screening tools urologists used to detect any changes in the prostate gland,” says Dr. David Samadi, chairman of Urology and chief of Robotic Surgery at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, in an article published in Medical Daily.

However, you should be on the alert for these tell-tale symptoms of prostate cancer which is easily treatable if detected and diagnosed in early stages.

1. Bladder Control Problems. Urinary incontinence can be a sign of problems with the prostate, a walnut-shaped gland located just below the bladder. Cancer can cause enlargement and weakening of the prostate which in turn can block the urethra. As a result, eliminating can become difficult and erratic. Some symptoms include straining, leakage, an over active bladder and a feeling of incomplete urination.
2. Pelvic Pain. If you have shooting pain in the pelvic area this could be a signal that cancer is attacking the nerves in that region. According to the American Cancer Society, pain or tightness in the hips, lower back and chest could indicate that the cancer is spreading to the bones. Although rare, feeling numbness in the legs or feet may be the result of cancer pressing on the spinal cord.
3. Blood in semen or urine. If you spot blood while urinating or ejaculating —medically known as hematuria and hematospermia respectively -- have it checked out says Dr. James Wysock, a urologist oncologist and assistant professor of urology at New York University Langone Health. Even a pinkish hue could be an early sign of a problem. If it’s not prostate cancer, it could be the result of a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, sexually transmitted disease, blood clotting or inflammation.