Signs of Prostate Cancer

1. Difficulty Urinating

One of the earliest signs of prostate cancer is difficulty urinating. This can include a weak or interrupted urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping urination, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

2. Frequent Urination

Increased frequency of urination, especially at night (nocturia), can be a symptom of prostate cancer. This can disrupt sleep and significantly impact quality of life.

3. Pain or Burning Sensation During Urination

A pain or burning sensation during urination (dysuria) can indicate prostate issues, including cancer. This symptom is often associated with inflammation or infection as well.

4. Blood in Urine or Semen

The presence of blood in urine (hematuria) or semen (hematospermia) can be a warning sign of prostate cancer. Any occurrence of blood should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare professional.

5. Erectile Dysfunction

Prostate cancer can cause erectile dysfunction (ED), making it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection. This symptom can also result from other conditions or treatments related to prostate issues.

6. Pain in the Lower Back, Hips, or Thighs

Advanced prostate cancer can spread to bones, causing pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs. Persistent or unexplained pain in these areas should be investigated.

7. Unexplained Weight Loss

Significant, unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of advanced prostate cancer. This can occur due to changes in metabolism and the body’s response to the cancer.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice. Early detection through screening, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or digital rectal exam (DRE), can help identify prostate cancer before it progresses.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

1. Active Surveillance

For low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer, active surveillance may be recommended. This involves regular monitoring of the cancer through PSA tests, DREs, and biopsies to track its progression.

2. Surgery

Surgical options, such as a radical prostatectomy, involve the removal of the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue. This is a common treatment for localized prostate cancer and can be performed using traditional or minimally invasive techniques.

3. Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. It can be delivered externally (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy) through implanted radioactive seeds.

4. Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy, also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), reduces levels of male hormones (androgens) that can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. This treatment is often used in advanced or recurrent cases.

5. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is typically used for advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or when hormone therapy is no longer effective.

6. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy, including treatments like sipuleucel-T (Provenge), helps stimulate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. This treatment is used for advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy.

7. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. These treatments can block the action of these molecules, helping to slow the progression of the disease.