Nearly one in nine men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, as it’s more common in older men. Unfortunately, the signs of prostate cancer often go unnoticed during the early stages due to mild symptoms. Understanding how to recognize these early signs of prostate cancer is essential in getting the help you need before it’s too late. Early detection of prostate cancer dramatically increases the chance of successful treatment. Research also shows that African Americans are at a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to other ethnicities.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Prostate cancer signs can be wide-ranging due to a variety of factors. Some men may experience a deep aching pain within the hip if cancer has already spread to the hip bones. Blood in the urine can also occur because of prostate cancer. Sometimes it can be difficult to notice due to the blood not always visible to the naked eye. An urge to urinate frequently can also be another early sign of prostate cancer, as it’s essential to visit your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Here is a brief overview of a few more common prostate cancer symptoms:
1) Interrupted Flow of Urination
Struggling to urinate can happen due to several reasons. This problem is especially prevalent between middle age and older men. The prostate gland can eventually become enlarged, which is known as prostatic hyperplasia. An enlarged prostate can create symptoms similar to prostate cancer, as it’s a good idea to schedule a medical appointment to determine the cause of the problem.
2) Experiencing Pain While Urinating
Feeling pain while urinating is one of the most common signs of prostate cancer for many men. However, experiencing pain during urination can also happen due to other reasons, such as urinary tract infections or even dehydration. Enlarged prostate or sexually transmitted infections can also cause painful symptoms. You should always contact a medical professional if it’s still painful to urinate after a few days.
3) Chronic Constipation
Constipation can often happen because of an unbalanced diet. On the other hand, chronic constipation or any changes in bowel habits may be a symptom of prostate cancer. Men that frequently experience constipation are more likely to develop prostate problems due to constipation creating additional pressure on the prostate gland. Mentioning these problems to your doctor is essential in staying proactive while improving your prostate cancer survival rate.
4) Pain Near Upper Thighs
Dealing with pain near the upper thighs isn’t often associated with prostate cancer symptoms. However, experiencing prolonged pain in this region may signify a serious problem, especially if you feel a sharp pain or soreness at the groin. Reaching out to a doctor is always the best decision, primarily if this pain isn’t related to an injury due to a workout. Finding the cause of the pain will help provide peace of mind instead of waiting until it’s too late.
5) Frequently Urinating at Night
Constantly urinating at night is always a frustrating experience while also making it difficult to feel rested in the morning. While frequent urination at night and irregular bowel movements may be a symptom of getting older, it can signify prostate cancer. Dealing with this issue regularly is especially problematic, as reaching out to a medical professional is essential to determine if it’s age-related or the early signs of prostate cancer.
6) Lower Back Pain
Pain in the lower back can often happen due to an injury while lifting a heavy box or trying out a new exercise plan. However, a deep ache within your lower back that continues to occur for an extended period of time can be related to prostate cancer. Lower back pain may also come and go chronically, which may arise during the advanced stage of prostate cancer. Getting help as soon as possible is always essential in improving your prostate cancer survival rate.
7) Lack of Bladder Control
Urinary incontinence may occur because of an enlarged prostate. This problem can also get worse as men get older. However, urinary incontinence and other prostate cancer symptoms may signify that you are dealing with a much more severe problem. Reaching out to your doctor is vital to determine if it’s a prostate cancer diagnosis or another health issue.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding the various signs of prostate cancer is vital in improving your survival rate. The type of prostate cancer treatment you receive depends on how quickly you receive a prostate cancer diagnosis. Recognizing the early signs of prostate cancer is critical in living a long and healthy life. Scheduling prostate screenings once you reach 40 is also important in staying proactive against this deadly disease.