Prostate Cancer Symptoms May Not Always Be Obvious

An article from Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia published Sept. 21st in the U.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus described a list prostate cancer symptoms. Prostate cancer symptoms may be confused with signs of other common but noncancerous disorders, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include: trouble starting to urinate; weak or interrupted flow of urine; urinating more often, particularly during the night; trouble emptying the bladder; pain or burning during urination; bloody urine or semen; painful ejaculation; and/or chronic pain in the back, hips or pelvis. Although about 1 in 7 men will be eventually be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime, the warning signs of the disease are often vague and may be confused with other conditions.

Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40 years old but once they reach 50, the risk increases. Nearly 6 out of 10 men with prostate cancer are older than 65 years old, the Fox Chase specialists said. Black men are more likely than men of other races and ethnicities to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and die from the disease. Black men are also more likely to develop advanced disease and have the condition at a younger age.

Genetics may also play a role in why some men develop prostate cancer. Men whose father or brother have the disease are more than twice as likely to also be diagnosed. The risk increases if several family members are affected and if these men were diagnosed at a younger age. Men who are 55 and older should discuss their risk factors for prostate cancer with their doctor and determine if screening is right for them.