When it comes to prostate cancer, early symptoms and early stages do not go hand in hand. In fact, by the time someone begins to experience prostate cancer warning signs, it has usually progressed to the point where immediate and urgent help is necessary. While most prostate cancer cases are caught by routine blood tests or rectal exams, it is important to listen to your body and speak to a doctor if your body is not responding normally. In fact, most prostate cancer cases are caught by routine blood tests or rectal exams.

Urinary symptoms make up the majority of prostate cancer indicators. These can include a frequent need to urinate, waking up at night to urinate, difficulty starting or holding back urination, a weaker than usual or interrupted urine flow, painful or burning urination, a feeling that your bladder is not completely empty after urinating and, in rare cases, bloody urine. All of these symptoms can be caused by a tumor in the prostate pressing on the urethra, the tube which allows urine to leave your bladder; they can also be caused by other medical conditions, though, so check with your doctor if you think you are experiencing these symptoms.

Reproductive symptoms account for a small portion of prostate cancer warning signs. They can include trouble having an erection and, in rare cases, blood in the semen. This is caused by the presence of cancer in or around the prostate
If prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it can cause pain, stiffness or swelling to occur in the lower back, hips, pelvis or upper thighs. If the cancer manages to spread to the liver, pain in the abdomen and jaundice (marked by yellowing of the skin) can occur, but this is rare. In extreme, and even rarer cases, the disease can spread to the bones and cause pain that doesn't go away, bone fractures, and spine compression. This is known as Advanced Prostate Cancer.

An alarmingly high number of men are living with prostate cancer and have no symptoms at all, highlighting the importance of going for regular medical check-ups. If you or someone you know has any warning signs of prostate cancer, don't wait for an annual appointment to ask for a test or exam. Paying attention to the early symptoms and acting on them can help ensure the swiftest treatment planning possible for prostate cancer.