What are the 5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

Each year, nearly 250,000 men in the U.S. are diagnosed with prostate cancer. While it can be a serious condition, it’s much more treatable when caught early. So, let’s take a closer look at what causes prostate cancer, the five most common warning signs to watch for, and what to do if you're concerned about any of them.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

At its core, prostate cancer begins with changes in a person’s DNA, their genetic blueprint. Two key types of genes can play a role:

• Oncogenes, which help cells grow, divide, and stay alive
• Tumor suppressor genes, which keep cell growth in check, fix DNA mistakes, or trigger cell death when necessary

When these genes mutate, they can cause cells to grow uncontrollably, and that’s when cancer can form.

5 Common Warning Signs:

In many cases, prostate cancer develops silently in its early stages. In fact, a lot of men don’t even realize they have it. Still, some symptoms might signal a problem. The five most common warning signs include:

1. A burning sensation or pain during urination or ejaculation
2. Needing to urinate frequently, especially at night
3. Difficulty starting or stopping urination
4. Sudden erectile dysfunction
5. Blood in your urine or semen

These aren’t the only possible signs, though. Other symptoms might include a weak urine stream or unexplained pain deep in the groin, especially when sitting. (That makes sense, since the prostate sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.)

If the cancer has spread beyond the prostate, you might also notice swelling in the lower body, changes in urinary or bowel habits, or even sudden, unexplained weight loss.

That said, keep in mind that most of these symptoms could also be caused by other, less serious health issues.

What Increases Your Risk of Prostate Cancer?

Certain factors can raise your risk of developing prostate cancer.

These include:

• Age: It’s rare in men under 40, but risk increases significantly after age 65; about 60% of cases occur in this age group.
• Race: African American men have a higher risk compared to non-Hispanic white men. Meanwhile, Asian-American and Hispanic/Latino men tend to have lower rates.
• Geography: Prostate cancer is more common in North America, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean, and less common in places like Asia, Africa, and Central or South America. This may have to do with differences in screening practices, or possibly lifestyle and dietary factors.
• Family history: If your father or brother has had prostate cancer, your own risk is much higher.

Other possible risk factors include a diet high in dairy, obesity, smoking, and exposure to certain harmful chemicals.

What Should You Do If You Notice Symptoms?

If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above, don’t wait — talk to a qualified doctor. It might turn out to be something minor, but if it is prostate cancer, catching it early can make a big difference in treatment and outcomes.

For more information or to speak with one of our healthcare professionals, reach out to us at Care New England. We're here to help.

Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis.  If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical treatment.