Prostate cancer is a slowly growing disease, and often has no symptoms in the early stages. The most noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer have to do with changing urination patterns. It should be mentioned, however, that non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate – a less serious condition – can also cause changes in urinary habits.

Later in the disease, there are some the leading signs and symptoms that point toward the possibility of cancer or other conditions associated with the prostate:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Pain or burning during urination
• Inability to urinate
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Nagging pain or stiffness in the back, hips, upper thighs or pelvis

If you have any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.

In general, earlier stages of prostate cancer may treated, often with complete cure. In fact, most patients with the disease fall into this category.

More advanced prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body including the pelvic lymph nodes and also to the bone, typically in the pelvis, ribs, and spine. This may cause bone pain. As the disease progresses even further, it may spread to the lungs, liver, and other vital organs. The later stages of prostate cancer, especially cancer that has spread to the bones or other organs, is frequently treated with hormonal therapy that interferes with the ability of the cancer cells to grow. Hormonal therapy is not considered to cure the disease, but can tremendously improve the patient’s quality of life and may substantially lengthen his life expectancy.

More articles about prostate cancer:

• Risk Factors
• Screening
• Diagnosis and Staging
• PSA Testing
• Biopsy of the Prostate
• Treatment Options
• Medications
• Surgical Treatments
• Radiation Treatment
• Back to the Prostate Cancer Overview

For more information:

Go to the Prostate Cancer health topic.