What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Posted: Sept. 1, 2004

Prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms for many years. By the time symptoms occur, the disease may have spread beyond the prostate.

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Inability to urinate
• Trouble starting or holding back urination
• A weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

These can be symptoms of cancer, but more often they are symptoms of noncancerous conditions. It is important to check with a doctor.

SOURCE: National Cancer Institute

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