Prostate cancer in the second most common cancer of American men, affecting about 186,000 men in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute. Prostate cancer develops and progresses very slowly and can be difficult to diagnose. A number of early symptoms may indicate the onset of prostate cancer. Men over the age of 50 that experiencing such symptoms should consult a physician for an examination and to learn more about prostate health.
Trouble Urinating
A generalized early symptom of prostate cancer is an enlargement of the prostate gland. As the prostate enlarges, it can press up against the urethra and cause a number of urinary symptoms. According to MayoClinic.com, an enlarged prostate can cause a weak urine stream, make urination difficult and painful and may completely block urinary output altogether. Men in the early stages of prostate cancer may also experience the need to urinate frequently, particularly at night. While these symptoms may indicate the beginning of prostate cancer, it is important to note that similar symptoms occur with benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous condition in which the prostate enlarges.
Erection Difficulties
Prostate cancer can interfere with sexual function. The National Cancer Institute explains that men in the early stages of prostate cancer often have difficulties establishing and maintaining an erection. In addition to erectile dysfunction, men may also experience painful ejaculations.
Blood in the Urine or Semen
As the prostate enlarges and pushes on the urethra and other components of the urinary system, it can cause microscopic disruptions in the wall of the urinary tract that may cause blood to appear in the urine or semen. The Protstate Caner Foundation lists blood in the urine or semen as a common symptom of early prostate cancer. MayoClinic.com explains that blood in the urine is also potentially a sign of late cancers that have metastasized to the kidneys or bladder.
Lower Back and Body Pain
A 2002 article by Ramsis Benjamin in the "American Family Physician" explains that prostate cancer can cause a variety pains in the lower body. As the prostate enlarges, it can impinge on nerves of the spinal cord and trigger abnormal pain and stiffness symptoms. Individuals with early prostate cancer typically experience lower back pain as a result of an enlarged prostate. Other pains are also commonly reported in the hips, thighs, legs and bones of early prostate cancer patients.
