Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Early prostate cancer is often asymptomatic. This means it does not cause any symptoms. But certain symptoms can occur as prostate cancer progresses. Not all symptoms are a direct result of prostate cancer. Some can develop after you undergo certain treatments for prostate cancer.^1,2

Many symptoms can be managed or treated with lifestyle changes, medicines, or surgery. Symptoms that arise because of prostate cancer treatments often resolve on their own after treatment stops. Talk to your doctor if you have any symptoms or changes that concern you.³

Warning signs of prostate cancer

Early prostate cancer often does not cause any symptoms. Most people with prostate cancer are diagnosed during early screening tests, before symptoms appear. How often you get screened is based on your specific needs or risk factors. Most men start getting screened for prostate cancer later in life. Screening may then happen every year to every few years.^1,4,5

Symptoms of early prostate cancer are not common. But they can happen when a tumor presses on the urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis and out of the body. Early symptoms are often related to urination and ejaculation. Possible symptoms include:^1,2,4,6

• Painful urination or a burning feeling while urinating or ejaculating
• Blood in the urine or semen
• An increased need to urinate (often during the night)
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Difficulty in starting or stopping urinating
• Leaking of urine or loss of bladder control

Many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than prostate cancer. Trouble urinating is more often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is a noncancerous growth or enlargement of the prostate. These symptoms can also be caused by urinary tract infections, prostate gland infections, or trauma to the urinary or reproductive tract. All of these conditions are treatable.^1,2,6

Talk to your doctor if you notice these symptoms. Your doctor can help determine the cause.

Treating urinary symptoms

Problems with urination (urinary dysfunction) can happen at any stage of prostate cancer. Symptoms often change in severity over time. Sometimes they may be directly caused by your prostate cancer. At other times, they may be caused by treatments you have undergone. Symptoms caused by treatment often get better on their own after treatment is completed.³

Symptoms caused by tumors pressing on the urethra may be treated with surgery. For example, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) may be used to remove parts of the prostate. TURP is often used to relieve symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.⁷

Urinary symptoms can also be managed with:³

• Medicines
• Lifestyle changes
• Devices like absorbent pads or bed guards
• Surgeries other than TURP

Your doctor will help you determine what treatment options are best for you.

Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer

Advanced cancer may cause other symptoms. Symptoms can happen if cancer has advanced or spread outside of the prostate gland. Or they can happen because of prostate cancer treatments. Possible symptoms include the urinary dysfunction symptoms above, as well as:^1-5

• Trouble getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction, or ED)
• Pain in the hips, back, spine, chest, ribs, or other areas
• Neurological (nerve) symptoms, such as weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Weight loss
• Feeling very tired

ED is a common symptom that arises after treatment. It is especially common after surgery, hormone therapy, or radiation. ED is the inability to develop or maintain an erection. ED usually improves within a few weeks to a year after treatment. There are also treatment options to combat ED, including medicines, mechanical devices, or surgery.^3,8

Pain around the body can happen when prostate cancer spreads to the bones. People often report this pain as a dull, toothache-like pain in their bones. Treatment can reduce pain but typically will not address underlying cancer. Treatment may include radiation therapy, medicine, or surgery.^5,9

Neurological symptoms can happen when prostate cancer has spread to the spine and is pressing on the spinal cord. Losing the function of these nerves can lead to loss of control of the bladder or bowels. Treatment is similar to treatment for cancer that has spread to bones. Neurological symptoms may be permanent. An occupational or physical therapist may be able to suggest lifestyle changes to help you adjust to these issues.^1,5