PROSTRATE CANCER SYMPTOMS

Many men suffering from prostate cancer do not have any symptoms at all, especially in the early stages.

Cancer is usually discovered by accident through digital (finger) rectal examination which is part of a regular health check-up.  A digital examination involves a gloved lubricated finger being inserted into the rectum to feel any abnormalities with the prostate.  

Usually, symptoms only appear when the tumor begins to cause urinary problems such as blockages around the neck of the bladder/urethra.

Symptoms usually include difficulties in beginning and stopping urinating, urinating more often or less often and pain experienced during urination.

Some men find that their urinary stream has become completely diminished or notice that there is a dribble instead. Some men find that even following urination, their bladder still feels full. This is due to it not being emptied properly. 

Some men find blood in their urine, painful ejaculation or even impotence (inability to have or maintain an erection) although this is less common and usually only appear in the later stages when the cancer has become more advanced. They might also experience worse bladder malfunctions, blockages and recurring urinary tract infections.

Unfortunately, many men fail to seek out medical advice and treatment despite these symptoms. Those men with metastatic cancer may also experience malaise, weight loss and fatigue. The cancer can spread to the bones causing bone pain felt deep in the bones, particularly in the back and the hips. The bones become weaker and fractures may be more frequent.

Experts still do not know the exact reason for prostate cancer, although hormonal, environmental, dietary and genetic factors are thought to contribute to developing the disease.

Scientists have linked certain factors with the disease such as:

Diet – those diets that are particularly high in fat are likely to increase the risk of a man developing prostate cancer.  

Genetic – those men with a history of prostate cancer in the family, particularly those with a close relative such as a father or brother are at an increase risk of approximately two to three times greater than those men without family members with prostate cancer.

Race – men from an African American origin are one and a half to two times more likely than white men to develop prostate cancer. They are also more likely to develop prostate cancer earlier on in life. 

Age – as men become older, they are more likely to develop prostate cancer. More than 80% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are aged 65 years or more.

Chemicals – it has been found that an exposure to certain chemicals such as cadmium can increase the development of prostate cancer.

Until now, there has not been a link found between the frequency of sexual activity and risk of developing prostate cancer.