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What Are the Prostate Cancer Warning Signs?

Do You Know the Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

QUESTION: One of my closest friends was diagnosed with prostate cancer recently. And things don't look good for him. What symptoms can one watch for? Guess I'm asking "What are the prostrate cancer warning signs?"

You're wise to ask as many males are blissfully ignorant of prostate cancer symptoms.

And while its mostly strikes men 50 and up, it's wise for all men to be aware of the warning signs. Because like any cancer, prostate cancer can strike men of any age. But again like any other cancer caught early odds are you can beat it.

Problem is, the known indicators can just as likely be associated with a benign problem you've got with your prostate as well as cancer.

That's right, the symptoms could be indicating one of several prostrate problems really. Such as enlargement of prostrate (BPH), prostatitis as well prostrate cancer. I many respects they share the same symptoms pretty much. Which can make a precise diagnosis difficult for the average man on the street.

Then too 40-50% of guys with the disease exhibit no symptoms at all. Still it's good to pay attention to the following signals:

… it hard to start to pass urine
… you have a weak flow of urine after you do start
… you have pain when urinating
… when done your bladder doesn't feel empty
… you have the need to go more often, especially at night
… you are dribbling when you do go
… you need to rush to the bathroom at times due to a sense of urgency
… you are experiencing pain or discomfort in the genital region or your back

If you are experiencing a symptom or two it is wise to consult with your physician. Regardless how uncomfortable you may be about doing so.

Also since prostrate cancer grows so slowly there may not be any warning signs in the early stages at all. It lurks in the background of this gland rather quietly. Passing through the easily curable stage without notice. So that about time the cancer symptoms do show up it's typically incurable. Which is why you can't rely on the presence or absence of warning signs like those listed here or anywhere else.

Of course in the very advanced stage the cancer likely has spread. Obviously that make treatment that much more difficult. With the risk of recurrence being greater too. So rather than wait for symptoms be proactive.

Typically prostrate cancer is found as a result of a PSA test or is detected by digital rectal screening (DRE). As if a tumor has developed your doctor may feel it during the DRE exam.

Early detection is vitally important. Since in the early stages the cancer may be localized to the prostrate gland and treating it is localized too.

As the tumor grows it starts pressing on the urethra and obstructs urine flow. Which would explain some of the warning signs listed above. Again you may experience difficulty in urinating or find a weaker flow of urine results. Also due to the enlarged prostrate some may experience a burning sensation.

The take away here is simple. Don't wait for prostate cancer warning signs. You may not experience any. Or if they do show up it may be too late to easily treat your situation.