Alexandria Wyckoff
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system. It’s the second most common cancer amongst males, aside from skin cancer. While prostate cancer can be deadly, screenings and paying attention to the warning signs of prostate cancer are a great way to catch it early. Many symptoms don’t develop immediately, but once they do, it’s important to visit a doctor. Below are six warning signs of prostate cancer you should be aware of.
6. Incomplete Emptying
Starting our list of warning signs of prostate cancer is incomplete emptying. This refers to the sensation that the bladder still contains waste immediately after you use the restroom. This can also appear as a weak or interrupted stream while urinating, or frequent, small-volume urination. While this may not always be prostate cancer, it’s important to address it with your doctor.
5. Changes in Bowel/Bladder Control
Fifth on our list of warning signs of prostate cancer is changes in bowel and bladder control. Incontinence, or loss of control over your bladder and bowels, can be a sign of a more advanced cancer. If the symptom persists, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
4. Difficulty Urinating
Next on our list of warning signs of prostate cancer is difficulty urinating. Also known as urinary retention, it’s when you have difficulty urinating or completely emptying your bladder when going to the bathroom. The urethra runs through the prostate, and as prostate cancer grows, it can collapse the tube so that urine cannot effectively get out.
3. Pelvic Pain
Rounding out the top three warning signs of prostate cancer is pelvic or lower back pain. Pain, numbness, or a tingling sensation in your lower extremities can all point to an orthopedic issue, or it could be a sign of prostate cancer. This usually happens at a more advanced stage, as the cancer invades the muscles in the pelvis or rectal wall, causing you pain.
2. Frequent Urination
Second on our list of warning signs of prostate cancer is frequent urination. While sometimes more frequent urination can be a sign of old age, it could also be a sign of prostate cancer. This often happens at night, with you waking up several times during the night to use the bathroom, or going more often during the day. Along with frequent urination, you may also experience a weakened stream.
1. Blood in Urine/Semen
Last but not least on our list of warning signs of prostate cancer is blood in the urine or semen. Seeing blood in your urine and semen can be scary. While this can happen due to BPH or kidney stones, it can also be a sign of prostate cancer. If this happens, even if it’s just one time, it’s important to see your doctor to determine the cause of the bleeding. Blood in the semen is rarer than blood in the urine.