What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
As the second most common cancer found in American men, prostate cancer typically doesn’t present warning signs in its early stages, but several signs and symptoms can signal the disease in its more advanced stages. Men of all ages need to watch for these warning signs. Here are the signs and symptoms we see most commonly among patients at Regional Cancer Care Associates.
Changes in Lavatory Habits
Among the first signs of prostate cancer are changes in urination or defecation habits. That’s because as the prostate gland tumor grows, it may press against the bladder and urethra. Depending on the tumor’s size and location, it could cause:
- Frequent urination, especially sudden urges at night
- Slow, interrupted or inconsistent stream of urine
- Loss of bladder and/or bowel control
- Burning, stinging or other pain during urination
- Blood in urine
- Rectal pain or pressure
- Changes in bowel movements
- The need to empty the bladder by straining or pushing
Erectile Dysfunction
Another warning sign that is easy for men to notice is new-onset erectile dysfunction (ED). The prostate gland plays a role in creating semen, and when cancer cells begin to spread, the normal sexual function of the penis can be compromised.
Other signs and symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Painful ejaculation
- Bloody semen or seminal fluid
- Less fluid ejaculated than normal
Pain and Weakness
As prostate cancer progresses, discomfort or weakness might manifest in other areas of the body. This commonly includes pain while sitting because the prostate is enlarged, as well as numbness, swelling or decreased strength in the legs and feet. The cancer may also place pressure on spinal nerves, causing pain in the back, hips, pelvis, chest, shoulders, thighs and more. The pain can become so persistent and severe that it even causes fractures. In addition, men with prostate cancer may be fatigued and have experienced unexpected or unexplained weight loss.
Importance of Regular Screenings
These common signs and symptoms can be attributed to several other medical conditions or causes. For instance, ED can simply be caused by stress, and pain can be attributed to a pulled muscle or other injury.
So how do you know when any of these red flags are signaling prostate cancer? Only your doctor can determine the root cause of any of these problems. With one in nine men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States, it’s important to receive regular prostate cancer screenings and to inform your doctor of any new signs or symptoms right away.
Fight Prostate Cancer with RCCA
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the expertise you need can be found at Regional Cancer Care Associates. Your treatment plan will entail the latest and most advanced treatment methods and techniques available. For more information, contact one of our locations or call our headquarters at 844-346-7222.