Avoid developing an often treatable life-threatening cancer diagnosis. Knowing the warning signs of prostate cancer will help you seek medical attention before it further develops and spreads to other areas in your body.
wiredhealthconference.com gathered essential information about prostate cancer and 5 of the most common prostate cancer warning signs, how they are commonly mistaken, and what to do about them.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly occurring types of cancer in men. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause significant harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment at all, other variations are extremely aggressive and can spread quickly.
The prostate is the walnut-sized gland found only in men, located under the bladder and in front of the rectum, and surrounding the urethra (the tube-like pathway that carries urine out of the bladder). The prostate produces and stores the essential fluid that helps to make and nourish semen.
When prostate cancer is detected early (while still confined to the prostate gland), the individual will have the optimal chance for successful treatment. The following are five warning signs that the prostate has developed cancer:
1. Painful Urination or Ejaculation
Multiple reasons can result in discomfort or pain when urinating or ejaculating. These can include:
- Prostatitis – This condition causes swelling and inflammation of the prostate. This swelling often results from a prostate infection. Prostatitis can also be caused by other issues, like nerve damage or a urinary tract infection (UTI) that damages the prostate.
- Diabetes – Men with diabetes may suffer nerve damage that results in prostatitis.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – This is a condition that causes an enlarged prostate and may also affect ejaculation. Men with BPH may also suffer painful or difficult urination or frequent urges to urinate.
- Medication
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Note: Multiple nerves and tissues collaborate in both ejaculation and urination. For this, any conditions, injuries, or procedures that affect or disturb this area of the body could result in painful ejaculation and urination.
Tip: Men who experience painful ejaculations should see a specialist in genitourinary health or ejaculation dysfunction. Early treatment can prevent underlying conditions from getting worse.
2. Blood in the Urine or Semen
For most men, this is an alarming symptom that vividly indicates that something has gone awry. Blood in the semen (also called hematospermia) or urine (hematuria) can be caused by recent urinary treatment, injury to the testicles or other areas of the reproductive system, or an obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Seek medical assistance if you:
- Have a history of cancer, bleeding disorders, or genital or urinary system malformation
- Are at risk for sexually transmitted infections
- Are 40 or older
- Experience symptoms longer than two to three weeks
- Develop recurring symptoms
- Find urination painful
Note: Blood in urine or semen can be caused by occurrences that aren’t due to an underlying disease.
3. Sudden Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Erectile dysfunction (ED) usually develops with time, often due to circulatory or nervous system problems. But, it can occur unexpectedly and suddenly. Sudden erectile dysfunction will typically suggest a psychological barrier or that a medication is causing the issue. Sudden ED is also referred to as sudden impotence.
See your primary care physician for recommendations and referrals. If you are already treating conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or other known health condition, consider that these may be linked to your erectile dysfunction.
4. Bone Pain
Bone pain is less commonly occurring than joint or muscle pain. The source of bone pain may be clear, like emanating from a fracture. However, other less conspicuous causes, like cancer spreading or metastasizing to the bone, may be less obvious and more easily dismissed.
Note: Bone pain usually feels deeper, sharper, and more intense than muscle pain. Muscle pain also feels more generalized throughout the body.
5. Frequent Urination
Frequent urination (especially at night) can be a symptom of many different conditions like kidney disease or simply drinking excessive fluids. When frequent urination is accompanied by fever, pain, or discomfort in the abdomen, you may have a urinary tract infection.
You should consult your doctor if you are urinating more frequently than usual and if:
- There’s no apparent cause, like drinking more total fluids, alcohol, or caffeine
- The problem interrupts your sleep or daily activities
- You have other urinary problems or troubling symptoms
Note: When taking diuretics for hypertension, heart failure, or other conditions, you will find yourself urinating more frequently. Contact your primary care physician for advice if this reaches a severely disruptive state.
Noncancerous Symptoms
The symptoms addressed in this article are or can be present in many men who do not have cancer. It is always recommended to discuss all symptoms and concerns with a doctor before jumping to conclusions.
Can prostate cancer be prevented?
Not yet. As of the time of this publication, there are no clear or definitive prevention strategies for prostate cancer.
There is some conflicting evidence that a healthy, low-fat diet high in vegetables and fruits may help reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. Routine screening, with PSA blood testing and physical exams, is crucial for detecting prostate cancer at an early stage.
Note: A healthy diet and regular exercise are critical components in maintaining good health and preventing disease in general.
Signs of Prostate Cancer
In this article, you discovered vital information about the definition of prostate cancer, 5 of the most typical warning signs, and what those symptoms may alternatively represent.
By paying attention to and acting on irregularities in bodily function, you are positioning yourself for the early diagnosis of potentially life-threatening conditions.
Ignoring signs of prostate cancer can lead to withering health and potentially cause hospitalization or death.
Sources:
clevelandurology.net/posts/news/do-you-know-the-five-warning-signs-of-prostate-cancer/
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
uclahealth.org/urology/prostate-cancer/what-is-prostate-cancer
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003180.htm