What Are the Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men. It develops in the prostate gland, which is responsible for producing part of the semen. The disease can be slow-growing or aggressive, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.

 

This type of cancer affects millions of men worldwide and is considered one of the major oncological problems in many countries. According to statistics, it is most commonly found in men over the age of 50. Although the disease usually progresses slowly, the extent to which it can spread in the body and cause complications requires great caution.

 

Early diagnosis is critically important because prostate cancer that is detected on time leads to better treatment outcomes. Regular medical check-ups, such as the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, help detect the disease at an early stage, which increases the chances of successful treatment and lowers the risk of complications.

 

Prostate Cancer Symptoms – What Should We Pay Attention To?

 

The symptoms of prostate cancer are diverse and largely depend on the stage of the disease and how fast it progresses. In the early stages, the cancer often develops without any symptoms, which makes it especially dangerous because a patient might not even realize that a serious pathological process is happening in the body. That’s why early diagnosis of prostate cancer is critically important.

 

Prostate cancer at an early stage usually develops silently, without any visible changes. However, in some cases, there may be slight discomfort or changes that a person ignores or blames on age. One of the first signs is often difficulty urinating. This is because the prostate surrounds the urethra, and when it grows, it can press on it and obstruct the flow of urine.

 

There may be a weak or interrupted urine stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urge to urinate at night (nocturia), or a burning sensation. Sometimes patients report blood in the urine (hematuria) or traces of blood in semen, which are also important symptoms to notice.

 

Later, as the cancer progresses, the symptoms become more visible. Pain may develop in the lower back or thighs, and sometimes this spreads from the pelvis to the back. The appearance of pain is often a sign of metastasis, especially if the pain doesn’t go away and becomes stronger over time.

 

Additionally, some men may experience erectile dysfunction, which can also be linked to the development of prostate cancer. Some patients report pain when ejaculating or discomfort during orgasm, which is also a reason to pay attention.

 

In rare cases, if the disease spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, the prostate cancer symptoms may affect the whole body. For example, when it spreads to the bones, there may be severe pain, especially in the spine, pelvis, or ribs. If it affects the lymph nodes, some patients may experience swelling in the lower limbs due to disrupted lymph flow.

 

A particularly concerning fact about prostate cancer is its symptomless progression. Many men develop the disease with no symptoms at all, and it’s only discovered at a later stage. For this reason, prostate cancer is considered one of the “silent” threats—it can remain unnoticed for years and be found only through extended screening or by accident during other medical exams.

 

Asymptomatic development is especially common in slow-growing types of cancer. Sometimes doctors discover prostate cancer by accident, during tests for other conditions—for example, through a biopsy or PSA test.

 

That’s why doctors recommend that after age 50 (or earlier if there is a family history), men should regularly have their prostates checked. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment.

 

Prostate Cancer Stages and The Impact on Symptoms

 

Prostate cancer develops in stages, and each stage has its own characteristics. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more noticeable and intense. In the early stages, symptoms are mild or may not appear at all, while in later stages the cancer can spread beyond the prostate and damage other organs and tissues.

 

Stage I and II – Early Stage

 

At this stage, the cancer is localized only within the prostate gland and has not spread outside it. Stage I is the initial stage where the tumor is small and usually not noticeable clinically. It’s often discovered by accident during unrelated tests. That’s why preventive measures and regular check-ups are so important.

 

Stage II is more developed, but the cancer is still confined to the prostate. The prostate may be slightly enlarged, but symptoms are generally mild or absent. Sometimes men report mild discomfort during urination, though this is often attributed to aging and left unnoticed.

 

Stage III – Locally Advanced Cancer

 

At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the prostate and affects nearby tissues and organs. This is called locally advanced cancer. The symptoms of prostate cancer become more intense and may include:

• Difficulty urinating or frequent urination (especially at night)
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pain in the pelvic, lower back, or thigh area
• Erectile dysfunction

 

In Stage III, the cancer may reach the bladder, reproductive organs, or other nearby structures, which worsens the symptoms.

 

Stage IV – Metastatic Prostate Cancer

 

This is the final stage, when the cancer spreads not only near the prostate but also to other parts of the body. Metastases often appear in the bones, lymph nodes, liver, or lungs.

 

Stage IV prostate cancer is marked by strong, visible symptoms, such as:

• Constant and severe pain (especially in bones, spine, and pelvis)
• Swelling of the legs due to lymphatic system damage
• Intense fatigue and weakness
• Unintentional weight loss and decreased appetite
• Difficulty breathing (if cancer has spread to the lungs)

 

As prostate cancer progresses, the symptoms become more visible and bothersome. While men may not feel any signs in the early stage, later they may experience urination problems, pain, and overall physical weakness.

 

In the early stages, symptoms are mainly related to the urinary and reproductive systems, but in later stages, when the cancer spreads, complications appear throughout the body.

 

What Should You Do If You Notice Symptoms?

 

Prostate cancer symptoms are important warning signs. Although these symptoms do not always indicate cancer, they should never be ignored. Timely diagnosis increases the chances of successful prostate cancer treatment and helps avoid possible complications.

 

The first and most important step after noticing symptoms is to consult a doctor. Visiting a urologist is necessary even if the symptoms are mild or only occur occasionally. Many men ignore early signs, which can contribute to the progression of the disease.

 

The doctor will carefully examine the patient’s symptoms, consider their medical history, and if needed, recommend additional tests. It’s important for the patient to openly talk about all symptoms, even those that may seem minor, because early signs of prostate cancer are often subtle or unnoticed.

 

Prostate cancer is diagnosed using different methods. The most common tests include:

• PSA test (Prostate-Specific Antigen): A blood test that checks the level of a protein produced by the prostate. A high PSA level may indicate the presence of cancer, though it can also be caused by other conditions such as prostatitis (inflammation) or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The doctor physically examines the prostate through the rectum to check if it feels enlarged or has any lumps.
• Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): An ultrasound test that assesses the structure and size of the prostate.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This imaging method is often used to get a more detailed view of the cancer and how far it may have spread.
• Biopsy: For a final cancer diagnosis, a tissue sample is needed. Using a special needle, the doctor takes a small sample from the prostate and examines it in a laboratory.

 

The combination of these tests allows the doctor to accurately determine whether cancer is present, what stage it is at, and how to plan the next steps in treatment. Earlier the disease is diagnosed the better the outcomes of the prostate cancer treatment.

 

Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?

 

Although complete prevention of prostate cancer is not possible, maintaining a healthy lifestyle significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease.

• For example, a healthy diet is essential for prostate health. It is recommended to:
• Eat more vegetables and fruits – especially tomatoes (due to their high lycopene content), broccoli, and leafy green vegetables.
• Reduce fat intake – especially animal fats, which are linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Consume omega-3 fatty acids – fish like salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3s, which help reduce inflammation.

 

Regular physical activity supports prostate health and lowers the risk of cancer development. Excess weight and obesity are associated with more aggressive forms of the disease, so regular exercise and a healthy diet are key preventive measures.

 

It's also important to avoid harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol use. For example, toxins in cigarette smoke are associated with aggressive forms of prostate cancer, and heavy alcohol consumption negatively affects overall health and increases the risk of prostate-related diseases.

 

Chronic stress and emotional tension can weaken the immune system. Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga helps improve overall health and, in turn, provides better protection against cancerous growths.

 

Most importantly, regular medical check-ups are essential. After age 50 (or earlier if there is a family history of prostate cancer), men should undergo prostate screenings, including the PSA test and a digital rectal exam.