Prostate Cancer Symptoms
During the early stages of prostate cancer, there are usually no symptoms. That’s why screenings and yearly check-ups are important in catching cancer early, before it spreads outside the prostate.
Most prostate cancer is found as a result of prostate cancer screening tests, most commonly a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test and a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). To learn more about early detection visit our Detection and Diagnosis section.
In a survey, we asked men how they learned they had prostate cancer. Only 5.24% learned they had prostate cancer because of urinary or erectile symptoms. The overwhelming majority (94%) learned about their diagnosis from early detection through a screening test.
In rare cases, prostate cancer can cause symptoms which are similar to other prostate or urinary issues. These may include:
- Strong urge to urinate immediately
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Pain and/or burning when urinating
- Difficulty starting the urinary stream
- A weak urinary stream once it starts
- Dribbling after you’re finished
- Pain in the genital and pelvic area
- Difficulty having an erection
- Pain when ejaculating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Frequent urinary tract infections
Other more serious prostate cancer symptoms may include:
- Unexpected weight loss
- Pain in the lower back or pelvic area
- Anemia
- Fatigue
It’s easy to mistake prostate cancer for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP), prostatitis, or overactive bladder. It’s important to have annual check-ups, especially if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.