7 Prostate Cancer Symptoms: Early Signs Men Should Know

Understanding prostate cancer symptoms

Prostate cancer symptoms are not always present when the disease begins. In fact, early prostate cancer usually does not cause noticeable symptoms.

Many prostate cancers are discovered through screening before they cause noticeable problems. This is one reason understanding screening and discussing prostate health with a healthcare professional can be important.

When symptoms do occur, they can resemble symptoms caused by other prostate or urinary conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

7 Prostate Cancer Symptoms Men Should Know

The following symptoms can occur with prostate cancer, particularly as the disease grows. They can also have many other causes.

1. Weak or slow urine flow
2. Difficulty starting urination
3. Frequent urination, especially at night
4. Blood in the urine or semen
5. Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
6. Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
7. Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet

Prostate Cancer Symptoms and What They May Mean

Prostate Cancer Symptoms vs. BPH Symptoms

One of the most important things to understand about prostate cancer symptoms is that urinary changes do not automatically indicate cancer.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that becomes more common with age.

BPH can cause weak urine flow, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination, and waking up to urinate during the night.

Learn more about enlarged prostate and BPH symptoms .

Prostate Cancer Symptoms vs. Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. Depending on the type, it may cause urinary symptoms, pelvic discomfort, painful urination, or other symptoms.

Prostatitis is not the same condition as prostate cancer. However, inflammation of the prostate can sometimes affect PSA levels, which can make prostate evaluation more complex.

Learn more about prostatitis symptoms, causes, types, and treatment .

Can early prostate cancer cause symptoms?

Usually, no. Early prostate cancer commonly causes no noticeable symptoms.

When prostate cancer is detected before symptoms appear, it may have been identified through screening or an evaluation for another reason.

This is why the absence of prostate cancer symptoms should not be interpreted as proof that prostate cancer is impossible.

Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer

Advanced prostate cancer means the cancer has grown beyond the prostate and may have spread to other areas of the body.

At this stage, prostate cancer symptoms can include:

• Problems urinating
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Erectile difficulties
• Persistent pain in the hips, back, or pelvis
• Bone pain
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
• Problems controlling the bladder or bowel

These symptoms can also occur for reasons unrelated to prostate cancer. Persistent or unexplained symptoms should therefore be evaluated rather than self-diagnosed.

When should you see a doctor?

Consider talking with a healthcare professional if you notice persistent or unexplained changes such as:

• A new or worsening weak urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Frequent urination that is new or worsening
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
• New or unexplained erectile difficulties

Prostate Cancer Symptoms and PSA Testing

PSA testing is a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate.

A high PSA level can occur with prostate cancer, but it can also occur with less serious prostate problems such as BPH or prostatitis.

Therefore, a PSA result by itself does not diagnose prostate cancer.

Read our complete guide to PSA prostate testing to learn what the test measures and what different results may mean.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Prostate cancer cannot be diagnosed from symptoms alone.

Depending on the situation, a healthcare professional may review medical and family history, perform a physical examination, order a PSA blood test, and consider other tests.

If prostate cancer is suspected, a prostate biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

The appropriate evaluation depends on the individual’s situation and should be determined with a qualified healthcare professional.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early symptoms of prostate cancer?

Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. When symptoms occur, urinary changes and blood in the urine or semen can be among the possible signs.

Can prostate cancer cause weak urine flow?

It can, but weak urine flow is also very common with BPH and other urinary conditions.

Can prostate cancer cause frequent urination at night?

It can, but frequent nighttime urination also has many other possible causes, including BPH.

Does blood in semen mean prostate cancer?

No. Blood in semen can have several causes and does not automatically indicate cancer.

Does prostate cancer cause pain?

Early prostate cancer usually does not cause pain. Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis can occur with more advanced disease.

Can BPH cause symptoms similar to prostate cancer?

Yes. BPH can cause several urinary symptoms that may also occur with prostate cancer.

Can a PSA test diagnose prostate cancer?

No. PSA testing can help evaluate prostate health, but a PSA result alone cannot diagnose prostate cancer.

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