In the U.S., the second-largest cause of cancer death in men is prostate cancer. Being aware of prostate cancer symptoms and early detection of the disease can significantly increase chances of survival.
According to Mayo Clinic and MedicineNet, most men do not notice any symptoms in the earliest stages of prostate cancer. As the disease progresses, symptoms to watch for include:
• Trouble urinating or having to sit down to urinate
• A weak or interrupted urine stream
• Blood in the urine or in semen
• Discomfort in the pelvic area or painful urination
• A frequent need to urinate, especially at night
• Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
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Noticing these common symptoms of prostate cancer can be alarming, but it is also important to know that these symptoms can be due to a noncancerous infection in the prostate called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). This condition is also known as an enlarged prostate gland.
A diagnosis of advanced or metastatic prostate cancer means that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland. At this point, some men still may not notice symptoms. However,
according to WebMD, some men will report some or all of the above symptoms of prostate cancer in addition to the following:
• General weakness
• Anemia if the cancer is preventing bone marrow from producing enough red blood cells
• Severe bone pain, especially if the cancer has spread or metastasized to the bones
• Bone fractures as bones become weaker
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As with all types of cancer, early detection is important for increasing chances of survival. MedicineNet says it is best to detect prostate cancer when it is still confined to the prostate gland and before it has spread to other parts of the body.
Noticing symptoms of early prostate cancer such as trouble with urination can help patients have more treatment options after diagnosis compared to patients with advanced prostate cancer.
If you experience any of these symptoms of prostate cancer, seek the advice of your physician immediately.
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