What are the common symptoms of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer does not always cause symptoms, especially in its early stages. However, if symptoms do appear, they may include urinary problems such as a weak urine flow, difficulty starting or stopping urination, a sudden urge to urinate, and frequent urination, especially at night. Other symptoms may include pain or burning during urination, the presence of blood in the urine or semen, persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis, as well as pain during ejaculation [1].

It is important to note that many of these symptoms may be caused by other common prostate problems that are not cancerous, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) [1]. Therefore, consulting a doctor is necessary to determine the exact cause of the symptoms.

Urinary Symptoms

Urinary problems are among the most prominent symptoms that may indicate a prostate issue, whether benign or cancerous. These symptoms arise because of the prostate gland's location below the bladder and around part of the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) [2]. When the prostate enlarges, it can press on the urethra or bladder, leading to the following symptoms:

• Difficulty starting the urine flow [2].
• Weak or intermittent (starts and stops) urine flow [2].
• Frequent need to urinate, especially during the night [2].
• Feeling that the bladder is not emptying completely [2].
• A sudden and urgent need to urinate [1].
• Pain or burning during urination [1].

Advanced Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

In advanced stages of prostate cancer, when the cancer has spread outside the prostate, additional, more serious symptoms may appear. These symptoms may include:

• Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis that does not go away [1].
• Blood in the urine or semen [1].
• Pain during ejaculation [1].
• Shortness of breath, feeling extremely tired, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or pale skin due to anemia; these symptoms can occur when the cancer spreads to the bones [2].

When Should You See a Doctor?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider [1]. These symptoms cannot confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer, but they do require medical evaluation to identify the cause. A doctor can perform the necessary examinations, such as a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, to determine if further investigation is needed [1]. Early detection of prostate cancer can significantly improve treatment options and outcomes [3].

For more information on early detection, treatment options, and survivorship, you can visit Prostate Cancer: Early Detection, Treatment Options, and Survivorship (Arabic).

The Importance of Differential Diagnosis

Since symptoms of prostate cancer overlap with other non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis, an accurate differential diagnosis is crucial [1]. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition with aging where the prostate gland enlarges and presses on the urethra, causing urinary problems similar to those caused by cancer [2]. Only a doctor can distinguish between these conditions through specialized tests and examinations.

Medical references

• Prostate Cancer
• Prostate Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version
• Prostate Cancer Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment