Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men and in most cases, all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas or cancers that start from the glandular cells. Although prostate cancer can be a serious condition, it doesn’t result in the death of most men. The key is to get it diagnosed as early as possible and work with a doctor to manage your condition. Below are 10 common signs of prostate cancer you should watch out for.
1. Frequent Urination
When your prostate gland becomes enlarged, it could press on your urethra and cause you to feel like your bladder is always full, which ultimately leads you to urinate more frequently especially at night when you’re lying down.
2. Painful Urination
Prostate cancer could cause discomfort or pain when urinating. this can happen as you pee or right before you start. The problem could be a dull ache or a burning sensation and you might also notice that your flow is weak.
3. Loss of Bladder Control
Incontinence is a common sign of prostate cancer. It may be challenging to hold your urine or you could find it hard to start a flow even if your bladder already feels full. For others, it’s difficult to stop a flow that has already begun.
4. Blood in Urine Or Semen
Blood in your urine or semen might not be too obvious because it isn’t always bright red. Often, you’ll notice a brown or dark orange colour that could also come with changes in odour. Although blood in your semen and urine is not always a sign of cancer, it’s definitely something that needs medical attention.
5. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a common sign of prostate cancer. In a study published in 2017, researchers suggested that erectile dysfunction patients should be screened for prostate cancer regardless of age and medical history because historical data shows that it’s a common indicator of prostate cancer.
6. Painful Ejaculation
When prostate cancer doesn’t cause impotence, it could have other effects on your sexual health. For some men, ejaculation could become painful; it could feel more like a burning sensation, a sharp pain or a dull but noticeable ache.
7. Reduced Semen
Apart from discomfort during ejaculation, prostate cancer could also lead to a smaller volume of semen. Although this is also a common effect of aging, it should cause some concern when accompanied by other symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
8. Leg Pain
Prostate cancer could cause tumour growths that affect the bones or press on the spine as it progresses. It could affect your legs and cause swelling pain or even loss of sensation.
9. Pressure in the Rectum
An enlarged prostate could put pressure on the rectum, which might cause pain or make it feel full. In some cases, it could make it uncomfortable or difficult to empty your bowels.
10. Pelvic Pain
Men with prostate cancer often complain of pelvic pain that typically affects the bones. Sometimes, that pain could radiate around the thighs, back and hips that make it uncomfortable to sit for long periods.
Experiencing a few of these signs doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer but an entirely treatable condition. If you do end up with prostate cancer after diagnosis, you’ll at least have caught it early. Most cancers are treatable when detected in their early stages so pay attention to these common signs to seek medical attention as early as possible.
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