Prostate Cancer Early Symptoms

Prostrate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers affecting men in the United States. The cancer is located in the small gland that produces seminal fluid and transports the sperm. Symptoms do not normally appear until the disease has progressed. Men who are 55 years or older should undergo annual health screening for prostrate cancer.

Exam

• Since there are typically no early symptoms of prostrate cancer, early detection of the disease often occurs during a digital rectal exam or a prostrate-specific antigen test.

Difficulty Urinating

• Early symptoms of prostrate cancer might include difficulty urinating or a decreased stream of urine flow as the tumor presses on the bladder. However, urinary problems are more commonly caused by non-cancerous prostrate problems.

Blood

• As the disease progresses, symptoms of prostrate cancer can include blood in the semen or urine.

Pelvis

• When the prostrate cancer has spread to the pelvis lymph nodes, there can be pain in the area or swelling of the legs.

Pain

• When the prostrate cancer has moved to an advance stage, there can be compression of the spine, bone fractures and persistent bone pain.