Prostate Cancer

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. As most prostate cancers are slow growing, many men reach old age or pass away without knowing that they have prostate cancer. Most men discover they have prostate cancer during routine medical check-ups or through blood tests.

• Difficulty passing urine
• Increased urinary frequency, especially at night (nocturia)
  
• Weak, interrupted urinary stream
• Burning or pain during urination
  
• Haematuria - blood in urine
• Blood in semen
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
  
• Pain in the back (spine), hips, chest (ribs), pelvis or other bony areas
• Weakness or numbness in the legs and difficulty walking
• Difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels
  

When should you see a doctor?

The symptoms mentioned above should not be ignored, although they can be caused by a number of other reasons. There are several conditions that can present with symptoms similar to prostate cancer such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney stones. You should make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms that worry you.