Prostate Cancer Symptoms
- ,
- , Articles
Share this post
In the interest of normalizing the conversation around prostate health, we will be delineating common prostate cancer symptoms. Although prostate cancer does not usually cause these symptoms until it is more advanced, there are some common ones to look out for:
- Needing to urinate more often than usual, more commonly at night
- Having to rush to the toilet
- Finding it difficult to start urinating
- Taking longer to urinate
- Weak urine flow or stream
- A feeling that your bladder is not completely empty
- Blood in your urine
- Finding blood in your semen
Even though these symptoms are synonymous with prostate cancer, they do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. It is common for men’s prostates to enlarge as they get older due to non-cancerous conditions. Doctors call this benign prostate enlargement.
Other signs to look out for in tandem with the aforementioned symptoms can include back pain, pain in the testicles or a loss of appetite. Unintentional weight loss and pain in other bones can be among these too. To clarify, this might not only mean prostate cancer is present, but that it has also begun to spread.
Other factors important to consider when screening for prostate cancer
Besides looking out for symptoms of prostate cancer, it is important to take into account other factors that increase your risk. Below we have outlined the most important ones:
- Older age: As one becomes more advanced in age so does the risk of prostate cancer increase. Most commonly after the age of 50. But there are instances in which some men can get it younger.
- Family history: It is important to get screened for prostate cancer if one has any blood relatives that have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. That includes parents, children or siblings. You may be at risk as well if they were diagnosed with this condition. Having genes that increase the risk of prostate cancer are also included here, for instance, the BRCA1 and BRCA2. A family history of breast cancer may also indicate a higher risk of prostate cancer.
- Race: Research has yet to determine why this is a factor, however, studies have shown that black people have a greater risk of prostate cancer. It is also more likely for prostate cancer to be aggressive and advanced in black people.
- Obesity: Obese people have a higher risk of prostate cancer than those who are at a healthy weight. Even though studies have had mixed results, cancer has shown to be more likely to return and to be more aggressive in obese people.
Check our resources section for further information. Where you can also find inspiration from success and survival stories, or we can help you connect with a prostate cancer survivor.
If you have any questions, or just want to talk, call us at our toll-free hotline: 1(833)HEAL-MEN. You are not alone in this journey. We are here to help guide and support you through it, every step of the way.
