What should you know about secondary prostate cancer?

Some people have no new symptoms, while others develop bone pain, tiredness, weight change or urinary problems. Difficulty passing urine can occur for several reasons, including prostate enlargement or blockage, and does not by itself identify secondary cancer. Tests may include prostate-specific blood testing, examination and imaging chosen for the clinical situation.

Treatment decisions consider previous hormone treatment, scan findings, symptoms, general health and personal goals. Options may include medicines that act throughout the body, radiotherapy to a painful or threatening area, surgery in selected situations and care to support bone strength.

Tell the oncology team about new back, hip or leg pain, numbness, weakness, urinary change or bowel change. Keep a list of medicines and note whether symptoms are constant, movement-related or worsening. Ask about safe activity if bone involvement is suspected.

Radiotherapy, brachytherapy or targeted radioisotope therapy may be considered for particular disease patterns. Bone-strengthening therapy may help reduce skeletal complications in suitable patients. Prostate removal surgery and robotic cancer surgery are generally discussed in relation to the prostate and selected treatment plans, not as automatic treatment for spread.

Seek emergency help for new leg weakness, numbness around the buttocks, loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to pass urine. These can indicate pressure on the spinal cord or a serious urinary blockage. Sudden severe bone pain, a fall with inability to bear weight, chest pain or severe breathlessness also needs immediate assessment.

Where has the prostate cancer spread, and what scans confirm this? Are my bones at risk? Which treatment aims to control cancer, relieve symptoms or protect bone? What urinary symptoms need urgent action? Would radiotherapy, radioisotope therapy or bone-strengthening treatment fit my situation?