What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Some cancers have few symptoms.
Prostate cancer is a serious and life-threatening disease. Yet many cancers have
surprisingly few symptoms. Prostate cancer can be a silent disease.
When prostate cancer does cause symptoms, they are frequently confused with those
of
BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or enlarged prostate, a common condition
in men over the age of 60.
Men may associate urinary problems—incomplete urination, frequent urination, interrupted
urine flow, urgency, weak urine stream, straining to begin urination—with “simply
getting older.” But these may be symptoms of prostate disease.
Advanced prostate cancer—cancer which has spread to other parts of the body—often
demonstrates more symptoms such as:
- Blood in the urine
- Numbness in the feet or legs
- Loss of bowel control
- Back pain and fatigue
However, the lack of these specific prostate cancer symptoms does not mean that
prostate cancer is not present.
When should you see a doctor about prostate cancer?
See your doctor if you are experiencing any urinary problems, even if they are not
bothersome. Your doctor can diagnose your condition and, if necessary,
advise you about treatment options.
Find out about prostate cancer screening
Return to top