Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small gland located below the bladder in men. In early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why it is sometimes detected late. As the disease progresses, it starts affecting urination, sexual function, and nearby organs. Recognizing warning signs early can save lives.

Urinary Symptoms (Most Common Early Clues)
→ Increased frequency of urination→ Needing to urinate more often, especially at night→ Happens because the enlarged or cancerous prostate presses on the urethra
→ Weak or slow urine stream→ Urine flow becomes thin or takes longer to start→ Feeling that the bladder does not empty completely
→ Difficulty starting urination→ Straining or waiting before urine begins to flow
→ Sudden urgency to urinate→ Feeling a strong need to urinate immediately
 Pain or Discomfort During Urination
→ Burning or pain while passing urine→ Not very common, but can occur if cancer irritates the urinary tract
→ Blood in urine (hematuria)→ May appear as pink, red, or brownish urine→ Always a red-flag symptom needing evaluation
 Sexual & Reproductive Warning Signs
→ Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection→ Cancer or nerve involvement may affect erectile function
→ Painful ejaculation→ Discomfort during or after ejaculation
→ Blood in semen→ May appear as reddish or brownish semen
→ Reduced sexual desire→ Due to hormonal changes or illness
Pelvic, Back & Bone Pain (Advanced Warning Signs)
→ Persistent pain in lower back, hips, or pelvis→ Suggests spread to nearby bones
→ Bone pain that worsens at night→ A common sign of advanced prostate cancer
→ Difficulty walking or weakness in legs (rare but serious)→ May indicate spinal involvement
General Body Symptoms
→ Unexplained weight loss→ Losing weight without dieting
→ Persistent fatigue and weakness→ Due to cancer-related inflammation or anemia
→ Loss of appetite
Urinary Retention or Incontinence (Late Signs)
→ Inability to pass urine→ Complete blockage of urine flow
→ Loss of bladder control→ Leakage or dribbling
Who Is at Higher Risk?
→ Age above 50 years→ Family history of prostate cancer→ African ancestry→ Obesity and sedentary lifestyle→ High-fat diet
Important Screening Clue (Even Without Symptoms)
→ Raised PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) level→ Detected through blood test→ High PSA does not always mean cancer, but needs evaluation
 When to See a Doctor Immediately
→ Difficulty or pain during urination→ Blood in urine or semen→ Persistent back or bone pain→ Erectile problems with urinary symptoms→ Any urinary symptoms in men over 50
REMEMBER:→ Prostate cancer may be silent in early stages→ Urinary changes are often the first warning signs→ Bone pain usually indicates advanced disease→ Regular screening after 50 years improves early detection and survival

⚠️ Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Men with urinary symptoms or cancer risk factors should consult a healthcare provider or urologist for screening and evaluation

Source:Medinaz Books Collections