The mechanics of prostate cancer:
There are no clear warning signs of early prostate cancer, besides possibly restrictive or obstructive urine flow. When symptoms do appear, they are indicative of an already enlarged prostate, which may be caused by being inflamed due to urinary tract infection, or a condition in older men called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or by growth of cancer cells. The symptoms appear when the enlarged prostate puts pressure on the tube (called the urethra) that carries urine from the bladder through the prostate gland out of the body, and thus inhibits the flow of urine.
It is important to note that the symptoms of growths in the prostate are similar whether they are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). So when the symptoms indicated below do appear, do not immediately assume the worst, but seek medical advice!
Men over the age of 50 should have an annual physical examination of his prostate by an urologist, and maybe even starting such examinations at a younger age if there is a history of prostate cancer in the family. (10% of prostate cancer are familial)
Urinary symptoms of prostate cancer:
- A weak or interrupted flow of the urine stream.
- More frequent need to urinate, especially at night.
- Burning or painful urination and/or ejaculation.
- Having to rush to the toilet to urinate.
- Difficulty starting to urinate.
- The sensation of being unable to completely empty the bladder.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Some loss of bladder control.
- Erectile dysfunction.
Signs of advanced prostate cancer:
- Prostate cancer may spread to nearby areas, leading to persistent pain and/or stiffness in the lower back, pelvis, upper thighbones, or other bones in the area.
- Swelling of the legs or pelvic area.
- Weight loss.
