August 31, 2025

Don't Dismiss the Red Flags: Common Prostate Cancer Symptoms Men Often Ignore

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, with nearly 1.5 million men diagnosed each year. Yet, it often carries a silent and insidious reputation. In its earliest stages, it can present with no symptoms at all, which is why regular screenings are so crucial. However, as the cancer grows, it can cause a range of symptoms that are often mistaken for typical signs of aging or other benign conditions like an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH). Unfortunately, this common misinterpretation can result in significant delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Here are some of the most common prostate cancer symptoms that men frequently ignore, and why it's so important to pay attention.

1. Urinary Problems

Urinary problems are, by far, the most recognized category of symptoms, and for a good reason. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. As a tumor grows, it can put pressure on the urethra, leading to various urinary changes. While these symptoms are often the result of BPH, men should never dismiss them.

• Weak or Interrupted Urine Stream: You might notice that your stream is no longer as strong as it once was, or it may start and stop unexpectedly.
• Frequent Urination: Needing to urinate more often, especially at night (nocturia), is a common red flag. Many men chalk this up to the natural effects of aging, but it could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue.
• Difficulty Starting or Stopping Urination: It may take a moment to initiate the flow, or you may feel like you can't fully empty your bladder.
• Dribbling: Experiencing a post-urination dribble is a common symptom that can be a sign of the prostate gland's interference with urinary flow.

2. Pain and Discomfort

While urinary symptoms are often the first to appear, pain is a more advanced sign and should prompt an immediate visit to the doctor.

• Pelvic, Lower Back, or Hip Pain: A persistent ache, stiffness, or pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis can be an indicator that the cancer has spread to the bones, which is a common site for metastasis. This pain is often dismissed as a symptom of a sedentary lifestyle, arthritis, or a muscle strain, but it's crucial to get it checked out.
• Painful Ejaculation: Experiencing pain during ejaculation can be another red flag. While this symptom can be related to other conditions, it warrants a conversation with a healthcare professional.

3. Changes in Sexual Function

Prostate cancer and its treatments can significantly impact a man's sexual health.

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): While ED has many causes, including stress, diet, and heart disease, it can also be an early sign of prostate cancer. If you experience new or worsening ED, especially in combination with other symptoms, it's a reason to see your doctor.
• Blood in Semen: While less common, the presence of blood in semen (hematospermia) is a symptom that men should never ignore. It can indicate inflammation or, in some cases, a sign that the cancer is affecting the seminal vesicles.

4. Other Systemic Symptoms

These symptoms are often less specific to the prostate but can be signs of advanced cancer.

• Unexplained Weight Loss: Losing a significant amount of weight without any changes to your diet or exercise routine can be a sign that cancer has progressed and is affecting your body's metabolism.
• Persistent Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak, even after getting enough rest, can also be a sign of advanced cancer.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): DVT is a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein – most often in the legs – causing pain, swelling, and potential complications if the clot travels to the lungs.

The most critical takeaway is that while various conditions can cause these symptoms, they should not be overlooked. Don't fall into the trap of delaying a doctor's visit out of embarrassment or the belief that it's just "part of getting older." Early detection of prostate cancer drastically improves treatment outcomes and can be a life-saving measure. If you are a man over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer, it is essential to have a conversation with your doctor about screening. Your health is not something to be put on the back burner.

Sources:
PMC Journal Article
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Mayo Clinic
Robotic Cancer Surgery