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Early Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in males assigned at birth (MAAB). Symptoms may include pain, bladder issues, or sexual dysfunction. Early detection is key.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 201,082 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States were reported in 2020 alone.
Learn more about these early symptoms of prostate cancer, as well as when it's time to take action.
Prostate cancer, especially in the early stages, will typically cause pain, urinary symptoms, and it can affect your sexual function.
Urinary symptomsProstate cancer shares many similar symptoms with benign diseases of the prostate. The earliest prostate cancer symptoms are often urinary. Warning signs can include:
Many of these symptoms can be indicative of noncancerous diseases of the prostate, a gland located near the bladder in MAABs. These include an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatitis, an inflamed prostate gland, usually due to infection.
Unlike prostate cancer, BPH and prostatitis usually don't cause bloody urine. If you see blood in your urine, call your doctor for an evaluation immediately.
Learn more: What's the difference between prostatitis and BPH?
Sexual dysfunctionThe prostate gland plays a key role in the male reproductive system, so unsurprisingly, prostate cancer can cause sexual dysfunction.
MAABs may have problems getting or maintaining an erection or experience painful ejaculation. Some men with early prostate cancer experience no symptoms.
Because of changes in hormone levels, sexual dysfunction becomes more common with age. Still, you shouldn't brush off erectile dysfunction or other symptoms due to aging. Tests can help determine whether your symptoms are cancerous or not.
Frequent painOnce prostate cancer spreads, it can cause pain in and around the area of the prostate gland. MAABs with the disease can also experience pain in other areas:
Pain is also likely to occur in multiple areas. For example, you might experience painful urination in conjunction with pelvic pain. Any ongoing or chronic pain should be assessed by a doctor to rule out serious health problems.
Unintentional weight lossIn most cases, unintentional weight loss is a sign of later-stage prostate cancer.
That said, it can be an early sign of cancer in rare cases.
If you're losing weight without trying and having other symptoms that suggest a problem with your prostate, see your doctor.
In addition to physical symptoms, some other signs can indicate the presence of prostate cancer in your prostate cancer screening.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testThe prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test detects a higher-than-usual protein concentration generated by your prostate gland in the blood.
A high PSA concentration can indicate prostate cancer even before you notice other symptoms. However, this can also be caused by other conditions.
Generally speaking, there is no definite limit for PSA levels in the blood. Previously, 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) has been considered standard.
However, there are some prostate cancer patients with lower counts and people without it who have between 4-10 ng/mL.
That said, if your test indicates a potential for prostate cancer, your doctor will probably send you for additional testing.
Learn more about PSA levels and testing.
Digital rectal exam (DRE)A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a procedure doctors use to check your lower rectum and other internal organs.
During the test, your doctor will slide a gloved and lubricated finger into your anus to feel for abnormalities.
They'll be able to detect lumps on your prostate or an enlarged prostate, both of which could be signs of prostate cancer.
Abnormal DRE results by themselves don't necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. However, in combination with a positive PSA level and other symptoms, your doctor may make the diagnosis.
It's a good idea to call your doctor if you experience symptoms of prostate cancer, even if they're mild.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) suggests it may be a good idea to get a prostate cancer screening (including a PSA test) if you're between 55 and 69, but this decision is up to you in consultation with your doctor.
The USPSTF also recommends against getting a prostate cancer screening (including a PSA test) over the age of 70 unless you specifically want to be screened or your doctor refers you.
That said, the National Cancer Institute recommends that MAABs in their 30s or 40s see a doctor immediately if they experience prostate cancer symptoms. While these symptoms don't necessarily indicate prostate cancer, noncancerous prostate problems usually occur in men after the age of 50.
Symptoms like bloody discharge or extreme pain may warrant an immediate cancer screening.
Getting regular cancer screenings is also important, particularly if there's a history of the disease in your family.
MAABs with family members with prostate cancer are up to three times more likely to develop the disease. Your risk may also be greater if breast cancer runs in your family. Sharing this information with your doctor can help you get timely testing done should any suspicious symptoms arise.
The majority of prostate cancer cases continue to be diagnosed during routine checkups. This can lead to a late diagnosis, in which the cancer has already progressed to a more advanced stage. Like many forms of cancer, the earlier prostate cancer is detected, the better the outlook.
It's possible to have prostate cancer, BPH, and prostatitis simultaneously. Still, this doesn't mean having a noncancerous prostate disease increases your risk of developing prostate cancer.
The best way to protect yourself is to pay attention to your symptoms earlier rather than later. Being proactive can lead to earlier treatment and a better outlook.
Learn more about prostate cancer.
Doctor Shares Five 'worrying' Signs Of Prostate Cancer To Look For
Prostate cancer symptoms shared by doctor on BBC Morning LiveThe prostate is a gland roughly the same size as a walnut found between the penis and the bladder.
As part of the male reproductive system its main function is to produce the fluid that makes semen when mixed with sperm.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells start to grow in an uncontrolled way in the prostate.
Quite often this will not cause any symptoms in the early stages.
Typically, symptoms only appear when the prostate becomes large enough to impact the urethra.
Back pain could be one sign of prostate cancer (Image: Getty Images)Therefore, if you notice any symptoms it is important to get them checked out.
Doctor Maz Alsaffar, digital GP lead at Babylon Health, shared five signs that could signal prostate cancer.
"Often prostate cancer does not present any symptoms, however when symptoms do occur, they may include the following," he told Express.Co.Uk.
Blood in the urine or semenHe said: "Blood in the urine or semen can be quite alarming.
Blood in urine could signal prostate cancer (Image: Getty)"In males, it is unusual to notice blood in the urine, therefore getting an urgent assessment with a doctor is vital to rule out any serious causes."
Erectile dysfunction"This can sometimes occur in the advanced stages of prostate cancer," he explained.
"A sudden onset of erectile dysfunction issues can be quite worrying.
"It is important to highlight this to a doctor to ensure there are no worrying causes."
General symptoms of cancer to look for (Image: Express.Co.Uk) General tiredness and fatigueDr Alsaffar said: "This is a rather vague symptom. However, if you feel that you are more tired than usual, it is important to explore this further with a doctor alongside other potential symptoms of prostate cancer."
Unexplained weight lossHe continued: "Weight loss can be a non-specific symptom of cancer.
"However, it is critical to highlight this to a doctor if you feel that it is not linked to changes to your diet and exercise routine."
Back and limb pain"It is important to note that back or bone pain alone is not an immediate sign of prostate cancer," he added.
"However, it is often related to the advanced stages of prostate cancer along with the other symptoms described above."
The NHS also lists an increased need to urinate, straining while you urinate and a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied as possible symptoms of the disease.
If you experience any symptoms of prostate cancer you should speak to your GP.
They might want to conduct a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, scan or even biopsy to further check for cancer.
I Had An Enlarged Prostate, But A £4,000 Operation With A Laser The Size Of A Human Hair Has Transformed My Life
I had an enlarged prostate, but a £4,000 operation with a laser the size of a human hair has transformed my lifeAround half of men over 50 develop an enlarged prostate, which can make urination difficult.
Treatment usually involves major surgery, but a new 30-minute laser procedure can be effective, with minimal side-effects.
Martin Klein, 70, a semi-retired NHS worker and father-of-two from London, is one of the first men in the UK to benefit, he tells Roger Dobson.
Around half of men over 50 develop an enlarged prostate, which can make urination difficult. Treatment usually involves major surgery, but a new 30-minute laser procedure can be effective, with minimal side-effects (file photo)
The patientFive years ago, I noticed I was feeling the urge to pee frequently; and that when I did go, I was having problems urinating.
My bladder would never empty properly, and, as a result, I was up and down every hour during the night. It was exhausting because it really affected my sleep.
I went to see my GP and after trying a couple of things — including medication — that didn't work, last year I was referred to see a urologist, Dr Chris Ogden.
I was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate.
[As the gland enlarges, it presses against the bladder, making you need the loo often. And as the urethra is squashed, urinating can become more difficult.]
He said I'd need surgery — but explained there was a new technique available, where a thin laser is used to burn away excess prostate tissue.
It was quick and non-invasive, and had a lower risk of side-effects than other types of surgery [e.G. Transurethral resection of the prostate, where part of the prostate is removed, which can cause incontinence and erectile dysfunction].
What are the risks?There is a risk of infection which, in very rare cases, causes a prostate abscess.
On occasion the bladder neck needs to be treated as well as the prostate, which is not as easy with this laser.
Professor Raj Persad, a consultant urologist at Bristol Urology, says: 'This new technique is probably the most minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia I've come across.
The instrument is not passed through the urethra, so there is no damage to the urethra or bladder neck, which may have important consequences in terms of sexual function afterwards.
'There is no bleeding and the procedure can be repeated if necessary.'
AdvertisementThere was no cutting involved, meaning there would also be no bleeding, so I'd recover quickly.
The laser was contained inside a needle and would be inserted through the skin of the perineum, the area behind the penis, and into the prostate that way.
I decided to go ahead. During the procedure, I didn't feel any pain, only slight discomfort from the urinary catheter (thin tube) which was put in place immediately afterwards — it was removed within a couple of days.
I soon noticed the results, which were excellent: I could urinate properly and empty my bladder.
Whereas I had been getting up every hour during the night to go to the bathroom, now it's only a couple of times, despite my heavy tea-drinking habit! I've had no side-effects, and I'm delighted to be able to get a good night's sleep again.
The specialistDr Chris Ogden is a consultant urologist at Princess Grace Hospital and University College Hospital, both London.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is very common in older men. It occurs when the prostate gland starts to grow — this gland, which is about the size of a walnut and is located under the bladder, wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is very common in older men. It occurs when the prostate gland starts to grow — this gland, which is about the size of a walnut and is located under the bladder, wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body
As it becomes enlarged, the prostate can squeeze the bladder and narrow the urethra, resulting in symptoms such as difficulty in starting to urinate, a frequent need to urinate and difficulty in fully emptying the bladder.
Up to three million men in the UK have urinary tract symptoms associated with the condition.
We don't know the cause of BPH, but it is probably linked to hormonal changes that occur with age.
Treatments start with lifestyle changes, such as cutting back on caffeine, which can irritate the bladder and make urinary symptoms worse. If such changes don't help, medicine may be offered.
This includes alpha-blockers, which work by relaxing the muscle in the prostate and at the base of the bladder, making it easier to urinate; or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that shrink the prostate.
But 30 per cent of men with BPH will need some form of surgery.
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold-standard treatment for BPH.
A thin metal tube containing a light, camera and loop of wire is passed along the urethra to the prostate, and is heated to cut away the excess tissue causing the symptoms.
WHAT IS URINARY INCONTINENCE?Urinary incontinence is the loss of bladder control.
It affects up to six million people in the UK and 17 million in the US to some extent.
Some sufferers occasionally leak urine when they sneeze or cough, whereas others get urges that are so sudden they do not get to the toilet in time.
It is more common with age and can occur due to conditions such as arthritis if patients cannot undo their trouser buttons quickly enough.
Other causes may include a urinary tract infection, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, a hysterectomy and prostate cancer.
Alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks and spicy foods can stimulate the bladder, making symptoms worse.
Sufferers should seek help from their GP as urinary incontinence can indicate a more serious underlying condition.
It can also restrict people's everyday activities and increase their risk of falls if they rush to the bathroom.
People can reduce their risk by maintaining a healthy weight, eating lots of fibre, practicing pelvic floor exercises and not smoking.
Source: Mayo Clinic
AdvertisementAlthough effective, TURP can have side-effects such as nerve damage as the bladder neck muscles may be accidentally cut, which can cause erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
Martin was one of the first in the UK to have Echolaser last year after being referred to the Princess Grace for NHS treatment.
Echolaser differs from existing techniques to trim an enlarged prostate in several ways.
First, we access the prostate via a minute needle inserted through the perineum, the space between the anus and scrotum, rather than invasively through the urethra.
As a result, this procedure does not damage the bladder neck tissue, so has fewer side-effects.
Plus, the target tissue is melted away by light transmitted by the laser — so there's no cutting or bleeding, meaning shorter treatment and recovery times.
Typically the patient is first sedated and given a spinal nerve block to provide local anaesthesia. Then I place the needle, about one-third of a millimetre in diameter, in the perineum.
I can see where to go due to a thin ultrasound probe in the rectum. I pass the flexible cable, about the size of a human hair, containing the laser probe — which is about a third of a millimetre wide — into the enlarged prostate.
Once in position, I activate the laser and the energy generates heat which creates a 1-2cm-wide circular glow at the end of the needle.
I move the fibre towards the tissue to be destroyed. Within seconds, this tissue is vaporised.
The use of the laser allows a very comprehensive treatment of BPH without the risk of damaging the bladder neck.
What's more, unlike other laser treatments, the trimmed tissue doesn't have to be collected, as it is melted away and naturally removed from the body.
Because there is no bleeding, there is usually no need to stay in overnight and patients go home the same day.
As Martin was one of the first to have it, he was kept in as a precaution for monitoring.
Patients see an improvement in symptoms in the first few weeks and the full benefit by three months, as the swollen tissue shrinks.
I have just presented the results of the first eight cases at the annual conference of the British Association of Urological Surgeons.
Results show that three months after treatment, 80 per cent of patients have a doubling of their flow rate and their quality of life has significantly improved.
The Echolaser treatment costs £4,000 to £8,000 privately.
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