What Are The 5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

You are experiencing some terrifying symptoms.

Pain as you pee. 

Some blood in your urine.

Or frequent urination.

Now, you fear the worst.

You’ve heard of prostate cancer, and you’re scared you might have it.

Perhaps, that’s why you’re reading this post—to confirm your worries.

At St Pete Urology, we want our clients to be involved in decisions about their health. And to make the most informed health choices. 

So we strive to provide our clients with the most accurate and trustworthy information.  And direct them to where they’ll get helped.

We hope to help you overcome your worries. And make the right decisions.

Prostate cancer—a slow-growing cancer

Though prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, it generally grows slowly and tends to be confined to the prostate. And as long as it remains in the prostate, it does not usually cause serious harm. In fact, slow-growing types of prostate cancers may need minimal or no treatment. 

Still, there are few types of prostate cancer that are aggressive, spread quickly, and need timely treatment. Such types of the cancer need to be detected early, particularly when still confined to the prostate, so that they can be treated successfully.

It is due to these types of the cancer that you should know the early warning signs of the cancer and seek prompt treatment.

Yet, with prostate cancer, there are a number of challenges when it comes to warning signs.

1. Different men have different symptoms.
2. Some men do not show symptoms at all.
3. The cancer grows slowly, so it takes time for symptoms to occur.
4. Only aggressive, rapidly spreading types of the cancer may need treatment.
5. The cancer doesn’t show any signs or symptoms when in the early stages. So it needs to grow for a while before you can notice any signs.
6. Signs and symptoms that appear as the cancer advances aren’t specific, and could be due to other non-cancerous conditions.

Nevertheless, any signs are still valuable in early detection of the disease as long as you consult your doctor as soon as you have worrying or persistent symptoms.

 The five warning signs of prostate cancer are:

1. Pain or a burning sensation when urinating. Pain may also occur when ejaculating
2. Frequent urination especially at night
3. Blood in urine or semen
4. Sudden erectile dysfunction
5. Difficulty starting or stopping urination

Most of these warning signs are related to urination. That is because the prostate is situated beneath the bladder. So an increased mass or size of the prostate immediately affects the bladder and hinders urination.

When prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate, other warning signs may appear. 

They include:

1. Lower body swelling
2. Bone pain
3. Abnormal urinary or bowel habits
4. Sudden, inexplicable weight loss
5. Pain in the back, pelvis, or hips that doesn’t go away
6. Difficulty emptying the bladder completely

When to see a doctor

Since the warning signs of prostate cancer aren’t specific, you should make an appointment with your doctor if you have any symptoms that worry you or if any signs are persistent. Your doctor will take your history, conduct exams, and order for tests that will help to rule out other conditions. 

Besides, even if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is much easier to treat when detected early.

At St Pete Urology, we offer a full-range of diagnostic testing for prostate cancer. Our multidisciplinary team of urologic oncologic experts is devoted to evaluating, detecting and treating prostate cancer. Book your consultation now if you have any of the above warning signs. For more information on the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, visit the site “St Pete Urology.”