SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR:
Most early prostate cancer causes no symptoms and are often detected by an abnormal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE). Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer may include:
- Weakening or slowing of your urinary stream
- Frequent need to urinate
- Trouble emptying the bladder completely
- Increased frequency of urination
- Blood in the urine or in the semen
- Hesitancy in initiating your urinary stream
- Erectile dysfunction
- Onset of pain in the bones, especially the lower back
Of note, the prostate enlarges with age, and some of the symptoms mentioned above may be due to benign enlargement of the prostate. Your urologist should be able to distinguish between benign and cancerous prostate conditions.