Prostate Cancer

Symptoms

Most of the time, prostate cancer does not produce symptoms in its early stages. Approximately 40 percent of prostate cancers are not diagnosed until they have spread beyond the prostate.

When symptoms do occur, they may be similar to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that is a common problem for men in later years. You may also feel a persistent, dull pain in your lower pelvic area.

Other signs and symptoms of BPH or prostate cancer may include:

• A sudden need to urinate
• Difficulty starting to urinate
• Pain during urination
• Weak urine flow and dribbling
• Starting and stopping of your urine flow
• A sensation that your bladder is not empty
• Frequent urination at night
• Blood in your urine
• Painful ejaculation
• General pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
• Loss of appetite and weight