Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Unfortunately, prostate cancer causes no warning signs or symptoms in the earliest, and most treatable, stages of the disease. For this reason, regular tests and screenings are imperative as cancer of the prostate gland is the number one type to affect men besides skin cancer, with 80% of all cases occurring in those who are over the age of 65.

In spite of the fact that the number of cases of prostate cancer are rising, thanks to the great strides that modern medicine has made in the last two to three decades, it is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer with a relatively low mortality rate. Also, this type of cancer is one that tends to grow or progress rather slowly in comparison to other cancers as it may be several decades before any symptoms are even noticed.

There are also other symptoms associated with prostate cancer, however, none of these are actually due to the cancer itself, but rather from the swelling that occurs within the prostate and the ensuing blockage that occurs. Some of these symptoms include the presence of blood in either the urine, semen, or both, as well as difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection, and pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

Prostate cancer that's in the last stages will usually include more severe symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, constant fatigue, weight loss, and a loss of appetite, as well as pain or stiffness in the lower back, upper thighs, ribs, or pelvis. Urinary tract infections, pain deep within the bones, bladder obstructions, and problems with the kidneys may all be warning signs that prostate cancer has advanced into the latter stages and warrants immediate medical attention.

Prostate Cancer Facts and Statistics

Age is one of the most important risk factor to consider when it comes to prostate cancer, as men in their 30s and 40s are rarely affected by the disease. In fact, it is recommended that men begin getting tested and screened for cancer of the prostate at age 50 unless there are other risk factors present, such as having a close family member who had the disease, or being African-American as for some reason, prostate cancer affects more men of this race than any other.

While precancerous cells may be present for many years, it's very rare for a man younger than the age of 50 to show any outward signs of the disease. By age 80, it is estimated that more than 50% of men in the U.S. alone will have cancerous cells within the prostate gland, and 16% of all men in American will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their life, but only 3% will die from the disease.