What are some symptoms of prostate cancer?

• Early warning signs of prostate cancer are rare, which makes preventive screening for prostate cancer all the more important. However, men can experience symptoms of prostate cancer before they are diagnosed. The following symptoms do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer, but they are important to keep in mind. Consult with your doctor if you experience any of the mentioned symptoms, particularly if they have been going on for a while.

• Urinary Symptoms

  • A need to urinate frequently, especially at night

  • Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine

  • A weak or interrupted flow of urine

  • Painful or burning urination

  • Hematuria (blood in the urine)

• Erectile and Ejaculatory Symptoms

  • Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection

  • Painful ejaculation

  • Blood in the semen

  • Decreased volume of ejaculation (though hydration, diet, and frequency of ejaculation are more likely than prostate cancer to impact the volume of fluid)

• Lower Extremity (Hips down) Symptoms

  • Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

  • Swelling in the lower extremities

  • If a patient experiences bone pain and swelling in the lower extremities - especially when accompanied by urinary, erectile, or ejaculation

    dysfunction - these could be symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.