Prostate Cancer: 7 Key Facts You Need to Know

Men - this blog is for you. Have you ever felt pain while urinating, had blood in your semen, or experienced painful ejaculation? Or have you experienced unexpected weight loss, erectile dysfunction or an unexplained fever or infection that refuses to go away?

You might be suffering from prostate cancer. This is the second most common cancer in men in India. In 2022, about 37,948 men in India were diagnosed with prostate cancer. This accounts for about 3% of all cancer cases in India.

The worst part about prostate cancer? It does not show any symptoms initially. When these symptoms do decide to appear, it means that the cancer has reached an advanced stage. That means it is too late, and nothing can be done.

Why wait till nothing can be done? If you or anyone you know is suffering from the symptoms below, they need to get immediate medical attention. Given below are the seven warning signs of prostate cancer.

Urination problems

There are no early signs of prostate cancer. Later, however, some symptoms do crop up. Can you urinate properly? If you can’t, and if you have issues starting or holding back urine or have a weak or interrupted flow, or you urinate frequently, especially at night - all this could be a sign of prostate cancer.

Also, if you have a burning sensation while urinating or a feeling that the bladder has not emptied fully, it could be a sign of prostate cancer. Urination problems could spell prostate cancer, especially when the cancer is advanced. Since early prostate cancer does not cause any symptoms, you have to rely on symptoms if they happen at a later stage.

Pain

Among the very few prostate cancer warning signs, this is probably the most prominent one. If you have back pain (upper or lower), it can be a sign of advanced prostate cancer. However, it isn’t a common symptom of early-stage prostate cancer. This is when the cancer spreads to the bones.

Prostate cancer cells often affect the bones first, especially the hips, ribs and spine. This is termed bone metastasis. Bone pain is the most obvious symptom of bone metastasis; it can begin to feel like a dull ache or stabbing pain, which can be constant and also keep you awake at night.

Blood in Urine and Semen

Looking at prostate cancer symptoms? Blood is a sign! If you ever find blood in your urine or semen, you should get it checked as soon as you can. While other conditions might cause this, it might be useful to note that if there’s any blood if you urinate or ejaculate, it might be a cause of late-stage prostate cancer.

Erectile Dysfunction

Want to know how to detect prostate cancer? Erectile dysfunction is one of the answers. If you find that you are unable to maintain an erection, it could be a sign of prostate cancer.

The nerves involved in an erection include the pelvic, hypogastric, and pudendal nerves. Pelvic nerves are primarily parasympathetic and pro-erectile. Hypogastric nerves are sympathetic and anti-erectile. The pudendal nerves are somatosensory and motor and are responsible for reflex erections.

Damage to the pudendal nerves can lead to erectile dysfunction. Some men will get back their ability to have erections. But this can take anything between three months to three years.

Painful Ejaculation

Normally, ejaculation should not be painful; it should be a smooth process, however, if there is pain while you are ejaculating, then it could be a sign of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer usually blocks the pathway of semen or the surrounding muscles and nerves. Therefore, it becomes difficult for people to ejaculate, so if you are feeling distressed during intercourse or self-love, it's time for a screening.

Swelling

When it comes to prostate cancer risk factors, swelling is primary. If you have swelling in the extremities, it could be a sign of prostate cancer. This is advanced-stage prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes or bones.

The swelling is called lymphedema. The lower extremities, especially the legs, get swollen, accompanied by pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.

Unexplained Weight Loss

If you suddenly see that you are losing weight for no apparent reason, that could be a sign of prostate cancer. If there’s fatigue, then double trouble. Prostate cancer can spread to other parts, causing aggressive symptoms that prompt immediate medical attention.

If you have unexplained weight loss and fatigue that don’t improve with lifestyle changes, it could be a symptom of advanced-stage prostate cancer.

In conclusion, if you have difficulty urinating, experience blood in your semen or urine, have urination problems, unexplained weight loss, swelling, painful ejaculation, erectile dysfunction and more, it is a sign of prostate cancer.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from prostate cancer, then it is time to get checked. Get some proper medical attention and live cancer-free.

How do I know if I have prostate cancer?

If you have difficulty passing urine, blood in your urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, unexplained weight loss, painful ejaculation, swelling, pain and urination problems, you might be suffering from prostate cancer. Get yourself checked for prostate cancer and remain healthy.

I have blood in my urine. Am I suffering from prostate cancer?

Blood in the urine might also be a sign of kidney or bladder issues. Get yourself checked by a doctor to discount prostate cancer. It’s a common prostate cancer symptom.

I have blood in my semen. Is it a sign of prostate cancer?

Blood in the semen might be due to other factors as well. However, getting checked for prostate cancer could be prudent.

I have painful erections. Is this a sign of prostate cancer?

Painful erections could or could not be a sign of prostate cancer. If you are unable to sustain a normal erection, visit a doctor.

I have unexplained weight loss. Is this prostate cancer?

Unexplained weight loss might be due to other reasons as well. However, you would do a good thing to check for prostate cancer.