Health Conditions

What are the symptoms?

Because prostate cancer is a slowly developing cancer, it typically does not cause symptoms for many years. By the time symptoms occur, however, the disease generally has spread beyond the prostate gland. Because of this, regular PSA screenings are critical in catching the disease at the earliest, most treatable stages.

Symptoms may include the following:

• Urinary frequency, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination or holding urine
• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning sensation during urination
• Impotence or less-firm penile erections
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
• Weight loss

It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms are not always specific to prostate cancer. They may be due instead to noncancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hypertrophy or urinary tract infections. What is important is that you contact your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.