5 prostate cancer symptoms to watch for

Discover the most common symptoms of prostate cancer, to help you get to a doctor sooner.

Prostate cancer is a disease that affects the cells of the prostate gland. It typically occurs in men over the age of 40, but prostate cancer can occur in younger men, too. If diagnosed early enough, most prostate cancer can be easily dealt with and managed so that the patient can enjoy a long and healthy life.

The prostate is close to the bladder and urethra so when it is swollen or irritated, it can affect urination. One of the most common symptoms of prostate cancer is the frequent need to urinate, especially in the middle of the night.

You might also experience difficulty starting or stopping urination after it has begun. Another possible sign is if urine leaks when laughing or coughing.

A more serious symptom is the appearance of blood in urine or semen, which could mean that the cancer is in a more advanced stage. You should seek medical attention immediately to see if this is a symptom of prostate cancer or something else.

A symptom of more advanced prostate cancer can be a dull pain in the lower back, ribs or pelvis area. The pain is usually felt very deeply in the bones. It's important to seek treatment immediately because back pain can signify more advanced prostate cancer.

In more severe cases, patients will sometimes experience a weakness or paralysis in the lower limbs that causes their legs, ankles or feet to feel numb or difficult to move. The lower limbs may become swollen, especially in the feet and toes. This weakness or paralysis is often found in combination with constipation.

Paralysis can also be a symptom of other issues but it is definitely an issue severe enough to warrant a visit to your doctor.

A loss of appetite can be a symptom of many conditions, but a marked loss of weight and appetite accompanied by any of these other symptoms could indicate a problem with your prostate.

These are some of the most common symptoms of prostate cancer. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, be sure to visit a medical professional right away in order to get a screening.