Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Typically, there are no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer, but any urinary problems should be evaluated by a physician. Call your doctor if you experience:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Weak urine flow
• Urine flow that starts and stops (or is difficult to start or stop)
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine and semen
• Pain in the lower back, hips and thighs
• Difficulty achieving an erection

Men with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease.

Risk Factors

Age: Age is the main risk factor for prostate cancer, and the disease is rare in men younger than 45; however, with advanced screening, men as young as 30 have been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer at our facility. The chance of getting prostate cancer goes up sharply as a man gets older. In the United States, most men with prostate cancer are older than 65.

Family history: A man’s risk is higher if his father or brother had prostate cancer.

Certain prostate changes: Men with cells called high-grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN) may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. These prostate cells look abnormal under a microscope.

Diet: Some studies suggest that men who eat a diet high in animal fat or meat may be at increased risk for prostate cancer. Men who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may have a lower risk.