Prostate cancer is a silent disease in its early stages, often progressing without noticeable symptoms. Understanding and recognising the potential signs can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes. This article focuses on the key symptoms of prostate cancer and how to differentiate them from other common prostate conditions.
Early-Stage Symptoms
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not present any symptoms. This is why regular screening through PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests is vital for men at higher risk. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Frequent urination: An increased need to urinate.
- Difficulty starting urination: A weak or interrupted urine stream.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder: Feeling that the bladder hasn’t fully emptied after urinating.
- Pain or burning during urination: Less common but could indicate inflammation or infection.
Advanced-Stage Symptoms
As prostate cancer progresses, it can lead to more noticeable and severe symptoms, such as:
- Blood in urine or semen: A possible indicator of advanced disease.
- Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Pain during ejaculation: Discomfort or pain may occur during sexual activity.
- Persistent pain: Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away with rest or treatment.
Distinguishing Prostate Cancer from Benign Conditions
Not all symptoms related to urination or pelvic discomfort are due to prostate cancer. Many can be caused by benign prostatic enlargement), or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation.
Prostate cancer is a silent disease in its early stages, often progressing without noticeable symptoms. Understanding and recognising the potential signs can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes. This article focuses on the key symptoms of prostate cancer and how to differentiate them from other common prostate conditions.
Early-Stage Symptoms
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not present any symptoms. This is why regular screening through PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests is vital for men at higher risk. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
· Frequent urination: An increased need to urinate.
· Difficulty starting urination: A weak or interrupted urine stream.
· Incomplete emptying of the bladder: Feeling that the bladder hasn’t fully emptied after urinating.
· Pain or burning during urination: Less common but could indicate inflammation or infection.
Advanced-Stage Symptoms
As prostate cancer progresses, it can lead to more noticeable and severe symptoms, such as:
· Blood in urine or semen: A possible indicator of advanced disease.
· Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
· Pain during ejaculation: Discomfort or pain may occur during sexual activity.
· Persistent pain: Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away with rest or treatment.
Distinguishing Prostate Cancer from Benign Conditions
Not all symptoms related to urination or pelvic discomfort are due to prostate cancer. Many can be caused by benign prostatic enlargement), or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for proper evaluation.