Prostate Cancer Symptoms Are Not Always Obvious

The warning signs for prostate cancer are often vague and can be confused with other conditions, which is a scary thought when around one in every seven men will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime say the experts.

While it is often not fatal, prostate cancer can still be very serious and men should get in touch with their doctor discussing the risks and benefits of being screened for the disease, said Dr. Alexander Kutikov, chief of the division of urologic oncology at Fox Chase in Philadelphia.

“Considering how often prostate cancer occurs in men, every man should familiarize himself with its signs and risk factors,” said Kutikov.

“Yet, not all men should be screened for prostate cancer. Ultimately, the decision to get screened needs to be weighed in terms of the advantages and disadvantages of screening. Men should familiarize themselves with the trade-offs of prostate cancer screening and discuss both their risk factors and personal preferences with a provider whom they trust,” he added.

Kutikov also went on to add that the symptoms of prostate cancer can easily be confused benign prostatic hyperplasia symptoms.

Prostate cancer symptoms include:

• Trouble in urination.
• Weak/interrupted flow to urine.
• Urinating more frequently, especially throughout the night.
• Finding it difficult to empty the bladder.
• Burning sensation or pain during urination.
• Blood in semen or urine.
• Chronic hip, back or pelvis pain.
• Painful ejaculation.

There are some men who are at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer, especially older males are more likely be diagnosed with the disease.

Under the age of 40, prostate cancer is rare however once men reach 50 their risk of developing the disease increases significantly. Almost 6 in 10 men who have the disease are over 65 years in age according to the Fox Chase specialists.

Black men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than men from other races or ethnicity and are also more likely to die from the disease.Kutikov also said that black men are more likely to develop the disease at a younger age and form more advanced forms of the disease.

Men aged 55 and over should discuss the risk factors for prostate cancer with their doctor and decide if screening is suited to them.

“I encourage patients to educate themselves about the issue of screening, as it is quite complex,” said Kutikov.