Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate cancer symptoms………………

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located near the bladder and the rectum. It makes and stores a component of semen and surrounds part of the urethra. (The tube that empties urine from the bladder.)

A healthy prostate is approximately the size of a walnut. If the prostate is enlarged it can slow or stop the urine flow.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men of all ages, with more than 70% of men being over the age of 65. The risk of prostate cancer rises with other members of the family having it.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine or the inability to urinate at all. It can also be frequent urination, mostly at night, a weak and interrupted flow of urine or pain and burning during urination.

Many men also will have blood in the urine or semen, painful ejaculation and frequent pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips. Another common symptom is difficulty having an erection.

Prostate cancer symptoms can also point to other disorders, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. (BPH) or prostatitis. These are not life threatening but do require treatment. Always consult your physician whenever symptoms appear.

Early Detection of Prostate Cancer

Two tests are used to detect prostate cancer even without symptoms. One is called the digital rectal exam (DRE) and is where the doctor checks the prostate through the rectum to look for hard or lumpy areas.

The other is a blood test that is looking for a substance called prostate specific anatigen. (PSA) Both are good ways to find prostate cancer early, but not perfect. Either test can miss prostate cancer, but together the chances are much better to find it.

To confirm that it is prostate cancer, a biopsy must be performed.

Prostate cancer treatment includes surgery, radiation or hormonal therapy. Men can have a combination of treatments depending on the specifics and stage of their cancer.

more than prostate cancer symptoms on our Mens Health page


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