Prostate cancer symptoms and age

Prostate cancer symptoms can vary with age, and many people have no early symptoms, so new changes need assessment. Urinary difficulty, a weaker stream, frequent night-time urination, blood in urine or semen, erectile changes, and persistent pelvic or bone pain may occur. Age can influence risk and the range of other prostate conditions, but a symptom does not establish cancer.

Urinary symptoms become more common as the prostate changes with age, often because of benign enlargement rather than cancer. Prostate cancer can also be found during evaluation when a person feels well. Clinicians consider age alongside family history, medicines, previous test results and examination findings. Depending on the discussion, assessment may include a blood test, imaging or tissue sampling. The meaning of a symptom depends on its pattern and the full clinical picture.

Arrange a medical review for a new, persistent or worsening change. Note the timing of symptoms, urine colour, pain, fever, medicines and any family history of prostate or related cancers. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice. A clinician can explain whether monitoring, further testing or treatment is appropriate. For information about urinary obstruction, see Difficulty Passing Urine.

Get urgent help if urine will not pass, if bleeding is heavy, or if urinary symptoms occur with fever, shaking chills or severe pain. New weakness, numbness or loss of bladder or bowel control also needs immediate assessment because it may signal pressure on nerves.

Ask how your age, family history and symptoms affect the assessment; which tests are useful; what their limitations are; and how quickly you should return if symptoms change. Ask whether a prostate specialist should review the findings.