Signs of Prostate Cancer

Being aware of the early signs of prostate cancer and discussing them with your doctor, can greatly aid in both it's detection and future survival rates.

When included with regular prostate examinations (PSA and DRE), it can help round out an effective early warning strategy and provide more favourable outcomes if a diagnosis has been made.

Statistics on early detection (Stages 1 and 2) of prostate cancer has shown five year survival rates of 99% after diagnosis, compared to 70-80% at Stage 3, and 30% at stage 4.

Prostate Cancer Warning Signs and Symptoms

• - Frequent urination during daytime or night (nocturia)

• - Difficulty urinating (weak or interrupted flow)

• - Leakage/dribbling after urination

• - Pain or burning sensation while urinating (dysuria)

• - Pain during ejaculation

• - Blood in urine or semen

• - Lower back, hips, or pelvic region pain (stiffness or soreness) for an extended period of time

Frequent Urination

If you're having to go to the washroom more often than is deemed acceptably comfortable then it's generally thought of as dysfunctional.

It's defined as going to the washroom excessively rather than an inappropriate urge or difficulty getting there on time.

Difficulty Urinating

Recognized as having a weak or interrupted flow of urine. You may have trouble starting to urinate and/or need an excessive amount of pressure or effort to continue.

Leakage/Dribbling after Urination

After urinating there may be some residual leakage or dribbling. Even after "a few shakes" some urine may escape resulting in your undergarments getting mildly soiled.

Pain or Burning while Urinating

There may be discomfort while urinating (dysuria), resulting in either a pain or burning sensation. This can be experienced both during and after urination.

Pain During Ejaculation

Similar to above, pain may be experienced during the act of sexual activity especially during ejaculation. This is generally due to both urine and semen passing through the prostate, prior to exiting the urethra.

Blood in Urine or Semen

Blood may be present in both urine (hematuria ) or semen (hematospermia).

This may also temporarily occur after a recent prostate biopsy or vasectomy.

Medications (aspirin) or strenuous exercise have also been known to cause the presence of blood in urine and semen.

Bleeding from strenuous exercise will usually go away on it's own after one or two days.

Otherwise it may be wise to consult your doctor.

Pain in Lower Back Hips or Pelvis

Pain felt in the lower back, hips, or pelvis region is generally associated with more advanced forms of prostate cancer signs. It may indicate a spreading to nearby tissues (most notably the bones), although this may not always be the case.

Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

It's important to note, other prostate conditions (prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia) may also produce similar symptoms.

An examination by an experienced physician should be able to differentiate between the signs of prostate cancer and less severe conditions.

Alternatively, many men may not experience any prostate cancer signs or symptoms. This is why it may be especially important to have your doctor perform an annual PSA test and/or digital rectal exam (DRE), after the age of 50.

Even though the odds these signs and symptoms presenting as prostate cancer may be rare, an examination by your doctor may be prudent to avoid any unexpected complications.