The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system. Located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the prostate produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer results from the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells. The National Cancer Institute estimates 217,730 new cases in the United States this year. It is usually a slow growing cancer and presents with no symptoms in the early stages. As the prostate cancer advances, warning signs become evident.
Problems with Urination
The prostate is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that transports urine out of the body. The development of problems with urination warns of prostate cancer as well as other problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. According to MayoClinic.com, a man with prostate cancer experiences difficulty urinating. As the tumor grows and presses on the urethra, the normal flow of urine diminishes. The symptoms manifest as a decreased force in the stream of urine and blood in the urine. There can be burning or pain with urination.
Ejaculation Problems
The prostate produces the fluid component of semen. Blood in the semen warns of prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Foundation lists difficulty having an erection and painful ejaculations as possible warning signs of prostate cancer.
Elevated PSA Levels
The cells of the prostate gland produce the protein called prostate-specific antigen or PSA. The PSA test measure the PSA levels in a man's blood. Normally, levels are low. According to the National Cancer Institute, elevated PSA levels are associated with prostate cancer in addition to benign prostate conditions such as BPH.
Pain
Once the cancer spreads from the prostate to other parts of the body, a man experiences pain in the abdomen, lower back and bones. Generally, prostate cancer metastasizes first to the lower spine and pelvic bones, causing abdominal pain.
