Early warning signs of prostate cancer

The prostate sits below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra. A growing change in this area can affect flow, causing hesitancy, dribbling, urgency, frequent night-time urination, or incomplete emptying. Prostate cancer may present with urinary symptoms, although an enlarged prostate and infection can cause similar changes.

Some prostate cancers cause no early symptoms. A clinician may discuss a prostate examination, a prostate-specific antigen blood test, urine testing, or imaging. No single symptom or test establishes the diagnosis on its own.

Book an appointment for new, persistent, or worsening urinary symptoms, blood in urine or semen, or unexplained pain. Note the timing, stream changes, night-time visits, fever, medicines, and any family history of prostate cancer.

If assessment suggests cancer, further imaging and biopsy may be considered. Treatment choices depend on the cancer's features and extent and may include monitoring, surgery, radiotherapy, or medicines. Discuss possible effects on urinary control, sexual function, and bowel function before choosing a plan.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, have severe lower abdominal pain, heavy blood or clots in urine, fever with urinary symptoms, or new leg weakness or numbness. These signs may indicate urinary blockage, infection, bleeding, or pressure on nerves.

Ask what may be causing the symptom, whether testing is needed, and how results will be interpreted together. If cancer is found, ask about its grade and stage, treatment alternatives, side effects, and how symptoms will be monitored.