Prostate cancer comes second in line to skin cancer as cancer-related deaths among men in the country. There may not be any early signs of prostate cancer unless the tumor has caused the prostate gland to swell or has spread beyond the prostate. Since the prostate gland, bladder, and the urethra are in close proximity with each other, prostate cancer symptoms are accompanied by many urinary symptoms. Read on to find out early warning signs of prostate cancer.

Early warning signs and symptoms of prostate cancer

• Burning sensation or pain during urination
• Frequent urges to urinate during the night
• Difficulty in starting or stopping while urinating
• Painful ejaculation and less fluid
• Leaking urine while laughing or coughing
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pressure or pain in the rectum
• Stiffness in hips, thighs, pelvis or stiffness in your lower back
• Difficulty getting an erection

When prostate cancer is not treated in time, the tumor can grow in size and spread to other organs and bones. When cancer invades the spine, it puts pressure on the spinal nerves and this advanced condition of prostate cancer is termed as metastatic prostate cancer. The symptoms include swelling or paralysis of the lower limbs, pain in bones, stiffness or deep pain in your pelvic area, lower back, thighs or legs, and bowel problems.

Even after treatment, prostate cancer can recur in some patients around the same area and this condition is called local recurrence. But when it reoccurs in other parts of the body it is termed as metastatic. The PSA levels rise when it recurs and it commonly invades the nearby lymph nodes, liver, lungs, or bones. Depending on where and to what extent the tumor has spread, the symptoms are linked to that body part. However, the common symptoms of recurrent prostate cancer include jaundice, difficulty in breathing, blood in urine, and fatigue.

Risk factors that contribute to prostate cancer
You should especially look for these signs as you grow older or are susceptible to any of the following risk factors.

• Age

Men aged above 50 are more likely to be prone to prostate cancer. Stats suggest that 6 out of 10 cases found are in men above 65 years of age.

• Family history

Having a family history of prostate cancer in close relatives can contribute to a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer. The chances are doubled when the history involves prostate cancer in young men.

• Gene

Changes in genetic mutations can increase the risk of prostate cancer in men, for instance, genetic mutations associated with ovarian or breast cancer contribute to the risk. Also, a Lynch syndrome patient is more susceptible to prostate cancer.

• Vasectomy

Some studies claim a link between vasectomy and prostate cancer since the surgery may cause inflammation in the prostate gland.