Early detection is important to maximize treatment success and return people to their normal lives as quickly as possible. Understanding the symptoms of prostate cancer can be the difference between detection and early signs going under the radar.
5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer
Pain and Burning
Having pain while urinating or ejaculating is a common sign of prostate cancer. The symptom can also be felt as a burning sensation. However, this sign alone is insufficient to determine whether you have prostate cancer. This is due to other conditions having very similar effects. Some of those conditions that could overlap symptoms include STDs, UTIs, or kidney stones.
Blood
Another common symptom is blood appearing in urine or semen. While other conditions can produce similar symptoms, blood being present in urine should never be ignored. Always seek medical advice when blood is found in urine or semen.
ED
Erectile dysfunction is a very common symptom in prostate cancer patients. This is because the disease negatively impacts your prostate, which helps regulate sexual functions. However, the vast amount of other conditions that can cause erectile dysfunction can make it difficult to narrow it down to prostate cancer.
Bone Pain
In the later stages of prostate cancer, the disease can spread to bones throughout the body. Discomfort in the hips, spine, ribs, or other regions may occur due to bone metastases caused by cancer. If you have these symptoms, then the cancer is often in a far later stage than most patients. However, this kind of pain as an isolated symptom does not automatically mean you have prostate cancer.
Weakness or Numbness
In certain stages of prostate cancer, you may experience weakness or numbness in your lower body. This is likely due to the cancerous growth pressing against your spinal cord and disrupting function. This can also lead to uncontrolled bladder and bowel movements.
Seeking Help
The prospect of prostate cancer is always daunting and never one that someone should face alone. That is why Greater Hartford Urology Group in Hartford and Enfield, CT, exists to get you the treatment you deserve. Our group has been practicing for over 40 years to ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. So if you’re concerned about your journey with prostate cancer and need that guiding hand, reach out to the Greater Hartford Urology Group at 860-522-2251 today.