5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer That Men Should Never Ignore
5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer That Men Should Never Ignore
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer to affect American men, besides skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life.
While prostate cancer can be deadly, finding it early means more treatment options that can slow its growth or lead to a cure. Many prostate cancers progress slowly and cause no symptoms at first, which is why regular screenings are so important.
“Most early prostate cancers are asymptomatic, meaning there’s no way for someone to identify changes or notice that they have it,” says Skyler Johnson, MD, a radiation oncologist at Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. “Once noticeable symptoms start to show up, these types of prostate cancers may still be treatable but may not be curable, which is why we really encourage men to have regular screenings so we can identify cases early enough that we can offer them the best curative strategies.”
Symptoms Men Shouldn’t Ignore
When symptoms do develop, they often look similar to common, non-life-threatening conditions, such as an enlarged prostate and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If you are experiencing any of the following warning signs for prostate cancer, talk with your doctor. Regular screenings can help determine whether the cause is harmless, or if more testing is needed.
1. Changes in urination
More frequent trips to the bathroom, especially at night, a weakened stream, difficulty starting urination, or feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder can all be signs of prostate cancer.
2. Blood in the urine or semen
Seeing blood in your urine or semen can be alarming. While blood could be due to BPH or kidney stones, it can also be a sign of prostate cancer. If this happens, especially along with painful ejaculation or any of these other warning signs, see your doctor.
3. Burning during urination
A burning sensation when you urinate may come from BPH or a urinary tract infection (UTI), but it’s also a common sign of prostate cancer—particularly when paired with other urination changes or blood in your urine.
4. Discomfort or pain in the pelvis or lower back
Pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in your lower extremities can point to an orthopedic issue, but it can also be a sign of prostate cancer. This symptom typically arises when the cancer has developed to a more advanced stage.
5. Changes in bowel or bladder control
Incontinence or loss of control over your bladder and bowels is another symptom that points to a more advanced cancer. If this develops, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.
Staying on Top of Your Prostate Health
The age at which you start your prostate cancer screenings—and how often you get them— depends on your personal health. Men at average risk are recommended to begin having a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test at age 50. You may need an earlier screening if you have a family history of prostate cancer, especially in a direct relative such as your father or brother.
Most men can be screened every two or three years, but an annual exam may be recommended if you’ve had an abnormal test.
“A great reason for patients to be evaluated and treated at Huntsman Cancer Institute is that we don’t use a cookie-cutter approach where anybody who comes through our doors gets one specific treatment,” Johnson says. “We take into consideration the patient’s disease-related factors, along with their specific values and preferences in terms of choosing the best treatment options for them.”
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