This article explains the key signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection. It covers urinary issues, advanced warning signs, and the need for medical evaluation. Recognizing these symptoms promptly helps in timely diagnosis and effective management, improving patient outcomes.

The prostate, a gland beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum in males, produces fluid that makes up part of semen. Its size naturally varies with age—growing rapidly during puberty due to higher androgen levels and stabilizing or slowly enlarging later in life. Typically about the size of a walnut in young men, it can become larger as men age, potentially affecting health.

Common indications of prostate issues

Urinary symptoms

Discomfort or pain during urination

Problems starting or stopping urination

Frequent urination at night

Loss of bladder control

Weak urine stream

Blood in urine

Signs of advanced prostate cancer

Blood in semen

Difficulty achieving erection

Pain during ejaculation

Swelling in legs or pelvic area

Numbness or pain in hips, legs, or feet

Persistent bone pain or fractures

If any of these symptoms are present, consulting a healthcare professional is essential, as they can also be caused by benign conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. Accurate diagnosis involves thorough evaluation.

Express any concerns about these signs to your doctor, who will ask about their duration and frequency to identify the cause. Early detection allows for better management of prostate conditions, including cancer, through appropriate treatment approaches.