Prostate cancer Symptoms
What are the symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Urine
Difficulty starting urination or a weak urine stream
Nocturia
Frequent urination, especially at night
Blood
Blood in urine or semen
Bladder
Feeling that the bladder doesn’t fully empty
Pain
Burning or pain while urinating. Discomfort or dull pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs
Sexual function
Problems with erections or ejaculation
Watch for symptoms
What are the symptoms
Prostate cancer often develops slowly and silently, especially in its early stages. Many men may not notice any changes at all for years. When symptoms do appear, they are usually related to changes in urination or reproductive function, since the prostate gland surrounds the urethra — the tube that carries urine out of the body.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms don’t always mean cancer. Many are also caused by non-cancerous conditions like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — an enlargement of the prostate that’s very common as men age.
However, any new or persistent symptom should be checked by a doctor. Even mild or occasional symptoms should not be ignored. They’re signals from your body that something may need attention.
Emergency Symptoms
In rare cases, advanced prostate cancer or severe prostate enlargement can cause urgent medical problems such as:
- Inability to pass urine at all (urinary retention)
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or weakness
- Severe back or bone pain (could indicate spread of cancer to bones)
What to do if you have symptoms
If you notice any of the above changes:
- Book a medical consultation — Start with a general physician or urologist. Describe your symptoms clearly and how long you’ve had them.
- Get tested — Your doctor may recommend a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test and/or a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to assess your prostate health.
- Don’t panic — Most men with urinary or prostate-related symptoms do not have cancer. But identifying the cause early leads to better treatment, whatever the diagnosis.
- Stay proactive — If your symptoms persist, get a second opinion or follow-up tests. Awareness and timely action can prevent complications and give peace of mind.
Prostate symptoms are your body’s way of asking for attention — not a reason for fear, but a call to action. Talk to your doctor, get tested, and encourage the men in your family to do the same.
Early awareness saves lives — and it starts with listening to your body.
What you need to know
- Around 1 in 8 men globally will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, but most cases are detected early and treatable.
- In Pakistan, prostate cancer is among the top 5 cancers affecting men, especially over the age of 50.
- About 70–80% of men over age 50 experience urinary symptoms related to prostate enlargement, not cancer.
- In the early stages, prostate cancer often shows no symptoms at all — which is why regular screening is so important.
- When symptoms do appear, only 1 in 4 men with these signs will actually have prostate cancer — but screening is the only way to be sure.
🩺 Key takeaway:
Having symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have cancer — but not checking them could mean missing an early, curable stage of the disease.
