The National Cancer Institute states that prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosis among American men. This type of cancer can be hard to diagnose because of how slowly it grows and spreads to the rest of the body. Sometimes there are early warning signs of prostate cancer. It is important to have any symptoms checked by a physician; men age 50 and older should see a doctor for screening even if there are no warning signs of prostate cancer.
Erection Difficulties
A common early sign of prostate cancer is difficulty maintaining erections, according to the National Cancer Institute. Erectile difficulties may be coupled with pain during ejaculation. Painful urination can also be a symptom.
Blood in Semen and Urine
An enlarged prostate also causes tear and fractures in the walls that line the urinary tract. This can manifest as blood in bodily fluids such as urine and semen. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, it is common for early stage cancer patients to experience blood in their urine and semen, though blood in the urine can also be an indicator of later stage prostate cancer.
Lower Back and Body Pain
According to a 2002 article published by the online journal "American Family Physician," some lower body pain can be attributed to prostate cancer. The enlargement of the prostate can press on the spinal nerves and cause pain in the lower body. This is a common symptom of early stage prostate cancer that can also be experienced in the lower body such as the hips and thighs.
