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Cancer of the prostate is typically a slow progressing cancer
and symptoms often do not arise for many years. If the cancer is
caught at an early stage, there might be no noticeable symptoms.
Some men, however, will experience symptoms that could indicate
the presence of prostate cancer. These might include:
* A need for frequent urination, particularly at night *
Difficulty starting urination * Weak or interrupted urine flow *
Pain or a burning sensation during urination * Difficulty in
obtaining an erection * Pain during ejaculation * Blood in the
urine or in semen * Recurring pain or stiffness in the lower
back, hips, or upper thighs
Sometimes the first symptoms will be lower back, hip or pelvic
pain caused by cancer which has already spread.
It is important to be aware that the symptoms of both benign
enlargement of the prostate gland (i.e.
non-cancerous) and
malignant tumours (cancer) are similar and might include any of
the following symptoms:
* Difficulty starting urination * Frequent urination,
particularly at night * Pain during urination * Blood in the
urine
Also, men over 50 years of age often have an enlarged prostate
gland due to the non-cancerous condition of benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH), or hypertrophy.
Therefore if you notice any of the above symptoms it is
important that you see your doctor and have them investigated.
But note that most enlargements of the prostate are not due to
cancer and can regularly be dealt with quite effectively.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer can often be discovered at an early stage by
testing the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the
blood. Prostate cancer can also be detected early by your
doctor
performing a digital rectal examination (DRE). Since the
prostate gland is situated close to the rectum, a doctor can
physically detect if there are any cancerous signs in your
prostate.
Unfortunately the PSA and DRE tests are not totally accurate and
conclusive. This can lead to anxiety and confusion, or even to a
false sense of security. So important things to consider are
your age, your general health and your lifestyle. If you are
young and develop prostate cancer, if not caught early enough,
it could shorten your life. If however you are older or in poor
health, then prostate cancer might never become a serious
problem due to its slow-growing nature.
The American Cancer Society recommends that men commence having
the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital
rectal examination (DRE) annually from the age of 50. Those at
higher risk, such as
African Americans and those with close
relatives who developed prostate cancer at an early age are
recommended to commence testing at 45.
The prognosis for prostate cancer sufferers has improved
dramatically in recent years. In the past twenty years the
overall survival rate for all stages of prostate cancer has
increased from 67% to 97%. Thus more men are living
significantly longer after diagnosis. In all likelihood this is
due to early detection programs, increased public awareness,
particularly of prostate cancer symptoms, and the adoption of
healthier lifestyles.
About the author:
Dr. Tavares is a medical consultant with experience in
traditional and complementary medicine. Her writing about prostate
cancer symptoms can be found at Prostate Cancer
Answers.