Each year approximately 268,490 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Fortunately, prostate cancer can be treated if caught early. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, warning signs, and treatments for prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer affects one of the most common cancers diagnosed in men. In fact, 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer significantly increases a patient's survival rate. Regular screening for prostate cancer is one way to detect it. In addition, knowing the symptoms and warning signs of prostate cancer can also help catch it early. Learn more about the early warning signs for prostate cancer and available treatment options.

Early Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a male gland located between the bladder and the penis. Cancer can cause the prostate gland to grow in size gradually. The early warning signs of prostate cancer are often difficult to detect until the prostate has grown big enough to cause symptoms. Often by the time a patient starts experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer, the disease is already at a progressed stage.

As early-stage prostate cancer symptoms are usually difficult to notice, regular prostate cancer screening in men is essential. Certain men may be more likely to develop prostate cancer, for example, if you're African American or your brother or father has a history of prostate cancer. If you fall into either category, it's essential to let your doctor know, as you may need to begin screenings for prostate cancer earlier. 

Advanced Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

Advanced warning signs of prostate cancer occur when the prostate has grown to a size that affects the surrounding organs or travels elsewhere in the body. Prostate cancer tends to be slow-growing; however, some forms of this cancer are more aggressive. Aggressive prostate cancers grow faster and are more difficult to treat than other forms. 

Common symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include:

• Difficulty urinating
• More frequent urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Unexplained back or hip pain
• Numbness in the lower body
• Weak urine stream
  

As prostate cancer advances and the prostate grows, it can press against your bladder and surrounding organs. This often results in feeling like you need to urinate more frequently, especially at night. An enlarged prostate can also irritate the bladder and urethra, making urination uncomfortable. Once prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it can cause bone pain and numbness. If large enough, your prostate gland can also add pressure to your spinal cord, causing weakness. 

If you are experiencing any of these advanced prostate cancer symptoms, seek your doctor's advice as soon as possible. Although these symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions, such as noncancerous tumors, it's important to receive an examination to rule out prostate cancer. 

Screening Options for Early Prostate Cancer Detection

Due to the lack of early warning symptoms in prostate cancer, screening is essential. Regular screening makes it much easier to catch prostate cancer early. There are several different methods of prostate cancer screenings available. Your doctor can advise you on the most appropriate screening method. 

Three of the most common methods of prostate cancer screening include:

Physical Examination

A digital rectal exam is a widely used prostate cancer screening method. During an examination, your physician feels your prostate gland to see if it is enlarged or abnormal. A prostate examination is a simple and relatively effective way for your doctor to identify changes in the prostate that might indicate cancer. 

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test 

The Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures levels of a protein your prostate releases into the blood. Abnormally high PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer. However, it's important to note that not all forms of prostate cancer cause elevated PSA levels. In addition, many noncancerous conditions can result in higher-than-normal PSA levels, and most men's PSA levels tend to increase as they age. Your doctor can explain your PSA test results to you and determine the best course of action if they are abnormal. 

Genetic Testing For Prostate Cancer

Genetic testing for prostate cancer is one of the most advanced methods for determining prostate cancer risk. Your genetics can reveal if you're at an increased risk of developing more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. If your genetic testing reveals you are at risk, your doctor might advise you to begin prostate cancer screenings at a younger age or undergo more frequent prostate screening, such as PSA tests and digital rectal exams. 

If you're experiencing early symptoms of prostate cancer, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider today.