Prostate Cancer & Abdominal Pain

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men in the U.S., according to Medline Plus. Your abdominal pain could be a symptom of a variety of conditions. Only a trained medical professional can determine whether your pain is cancer related.

Features

• The prostate is a small gland found under the bladder. Prostate cancer can cause difficulty urinating, pain when urinating, blood in urine, sexual difficulties and pain in your lower back, abdomen, hips or thighs. Other symptoms include fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

Pain

• Prostate cancer can cause painful urination, bowel movements and ejaculation. These symptoms can leave your lower abdomen sore. As your prostate becomes enlarged or your tumors grow, the pressure put on the surrounding organs can cause lower abdominal pain. Your pain may be a dull ache or sharp and sudden.

Time Frame

• Abdominal pain due to prostate cancer will not go away. It may get worse as time goes on. If you have lasting pain that is accompanied by other symptoms, see your doctor.

Treatment for Pain

• Surgery can help with the pain. Once your prostate is removed, the pain can improve. Treatment for the cancer can also help by shrinking the tumor and relieving the pressure. You may be given medication to help ease the pain and other symptoms. Over-the-counter pain releivers may not be strong enough. Your doctor may prescribe a pain medication, such as Oxycontin or Percocet.

Prevention/Solution

• The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. Screening includes a blood test and a rectal exam. These tests will help your doctor decide whether more invasive tests are needed. Risk factors for prostate cancer include poor diet and lack of exercise. Eating a healthy, low-fat diet is recommended, notes Medline Plus.