⚠️ Early-Stage (Localized) Prostate Cancer

In its early stages, prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms — that’s why screening (PSA test, digital rectal exam) is important.

When symptoms appear, they’re usually related to changes in urination:

Urinary symptoms:

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination

• Weak or interrupted urine flow

• Dribbling at the end of urination

• Needing to urinate more often (especially at night — nocturia)

• Feeling that the bladder isn’t completely empty

• Pain or burning sensation during urination (less common)

🧬 Advanced or Locally Invasive Prostate Cancer

If the cancer grows and starts pressing on nearby structures (like the urethra or bladder), additional symptoms can appear:

Pelvic or sexual symptoms:

• Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or thighs

• Painful ejaculation

• Blood in urine (hematuria) or semen (hematospermia)

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

🦴 Metastatic Prostate Cancer (Cancer That Has Spread)

When prostate cancer spreads — commonly to bones or lymph nodes — symptoms can include:

Bone and systemic symptoms:

• Persistent bone pain (hips, spine, ribs are most common)

• Bone fractures from minor injury

• Swelling in the legs (due to lymph node involvement)

• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or weakness

• Loss of appetite or anemia (if advanced)

🚨 When to See a Doctor

You should seek medical advice if you notice:

• Trouble urinating

• Blood in urine or semen

• Persistent pelvic or back pain

• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

These symptoms don’t always mean cancer — benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis can cause similar issues — but a doctor can perform tests to find out.