Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a small gland located below the bladder that helps produce fluid in semen. While some men experience changes in urination or sexual function, many men with early-stage prostate cancer have no noticeable symptoms.

Understanding the possible symptoms of prostate cancer can help you recognize changes in your health and know when to seek medical advice. If you notice something unusual, talk with your doctor. A medical evaluation can help determine what is causing your symptoms and whether further testing is needed.

What Are the Early Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Early-stage prostate cancer often develops without noticeable symptoms. However, some men experience urinary or sexual changes that may be associated with the disease.

Possible prostate cancer symptoms include:

• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
• Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
• Painful or burning urination.
• Difficulty in having an erection.
• Painful ejaculation.
• Blood in urine or semen.

These changes do not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. Many are more commonly caused by other prostate or urinary conditions.

Pay attention to symptoms that are new, persistent, or getting worse. Even when the cause is not cancer, your doctor can help identify the problem and recommend appropriate care.

What Are the Symptoms of Advanced Prostate Cancer?

When prostate cancer advances, it may spread beyond the prostate gland. Cancer that has spread to other parts of the body is called metastatic prostate cancer.

The symptoms of advanced prostate cancer depend on whether the cancer has spread, where it has spread, and how it affects nearby tissues.

One possible symptom is persistent pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or upper thighs. This may occur when prostate cancer spreads to the bones. The pain may become more noticeable over time or interfere with daily activities.

Some men also experience unusual fatigue. Unexpected weight loss may also signal prostate cancer progression.

If cancer affects the spine, it may cause weakness or numbness in the legs. New problems controlling the bladder or bowels can also occur if cancer puts pressure on the spinal cord.

These symptoms can have many causes. Experiencing back pain or fatigue does not automatically mean you have advanced prostate cancer.

However, persistent or worsening symptoms deserve medical attention. Your healthcare team can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether additional testing is needed.

Can You Have Prostate Cancer Without Symptoms?

Yes. Many men have prostate cancer without knowing it because the disease often develops without noticeable symptoms.

Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may remain undetected for years. Others grow more quickly. In the early stages, a tumor may be too small to interfere with urination or cause other physical changes.

This is why prostate cancer screening is important to discuss with your doctor, even if you feel healthy.

A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test may help detect prostate cancer before symptoms appear.

Your age, family history, and other risk factors can help determine when to begin screening. Black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer face increased risk and may benefit from discussing PSA testing at an earlier age.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago encourages men to learn about their individual risk factors and make informed screening decisions with their healthcare providers.

Could Your Symptoms Be Caused by Something Other Than Prostate Cancer?

Many symptoms of prostate cancer are also associated with common, noncancerous conditions.

One example is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called an enlarged prostate. BPH becomes more common as men age. As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This may cause difficulty starting urination, a weak urine stream, or frequent trips to the bathroom.

Another possible cause is prostatitis, which involves inflammation of the prostate. Men with prostatitis may experience pelvic discomfort, painful urination, or other urinary problems.
Urinary tract infections can also cause burning during urination, increased urgency, and frequent urination.

Because these conditions share similar symptoms, it can be difficult to determine the cause without medical testing.

Your doctor can review your symptoms and recommend appropriate tests. Many noncancerous prostate conditions can be treated or managed with medical care.

When Should You See a Doctor About Prostate Cancer Symptoms?

You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience new, persistent, or worsening urinary or sexual symptoms.

Even mild changes are worth discussing, particularly if they begin affecting your daily life.

Blood in the urine should be evaluated promptly. Blood in the semen should also be discussed with your doctor.

Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you suddenly cannot urinate, seek emergency care.

New leg weakness or numbness, severe back pain, or changes in bowel or bladder control may indicate pressure on the spinal cord. This is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical care if you experience these symptoms.

What to Expect During a Medical Evaluation

Your doctor will typically begin by asking about your symptoms and reviewing your medical history. They may also perform a physical examination.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. PSA is a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland.

An elevated PSA level does not automatically mean you have prostate cancer. Other conditions, including BPH and prostatitis, can also raise PSA levels.

Your doctor may recommend repeating the test or referring you to a urologist, a specialist who treats urinary and prostate conditions.

Additional testing may include an MRI to examine the prostate. If cancer is suspected, your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy to collect tissue samples for testing. A biopsy can confirm whether prostate cancer is present.

The goal is to identify the cause of your symptoms so you and your healthcare team can decide on the next steps.

Find Prostate Cancer Education and Support in Chicago

Whether you’re concerned about possible symptoms or have recently received a prostate cancer diagnosis, you don’t have to navigate your questions alone.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago (PCFC) helps men and their families better understand prostate cancer, available treatment options, and resources for support.
PCFC holds its own prostate cancer support group on the first Wednesday of each month at Wellness House in Hinsdale.

These meetings give men affected by prostate cancer opportunities to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand what they’re going through. PCFC also provides grant funding for Wellness House prostate cancer programs and fully sponsors a Wellness House staff member dedicated to prostate cancer outreach.

Through ⁠Wellness House’s prostate cancer programs, patients and families can access additional resources, including emotional support, exercise, nutrition, and caregiver programs.

If you have questions about prostate cancer or need help finding educational resources and local support, contact the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Chicago.

We’re here to help you take the next step with greater confidence.