Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop inside of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small gland that men have. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men. It is estimated that 1 in 9 men will develop prostate cancer, and these chances increase with age. There are several other factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer, such as diet, family history and smoking.
Prostate cancer is a serious health problem that can lead to death. Fortunately, if you recognize the symptoms, then the cancer is often easier to treat:
1. Difficulty urinating
It is common for men who have prostate cancer to have problems urinating. Many men notice that they have a slow or weak urinary system. It is also common to notice that you have the urge to urinate more frequently. The reason that prostate cancer often causes urination problems is because the cancer presses on the urethra and weakens it. Furthermore, urination problems can be a side effect of a prostate cancer treatment.
2. Blood in the urine
You may notice blood in your urine. This is one of the visual signs of prostate cancer. There are several reasons that you may develop bloody urine as the result of prostate cancer. Your prostate has a tendency to enlarge as the result of the cancer. Your enlarged prostate can press on your urethra and irritate it. Studies have shown that there is a link between urinary tract infections and prostate cancer. Men who frequently have urinary tract infections are more likely to develop prostate cancer. UTIs can cause bloody urine. If you have had more than five urinary tract infections in one year, then you should be screened for prostate cancer.
3. Pelvic pain
Prostate cancer can easily spread to other parts of the body. It will spread to neighboring tissues and organs first. That is why it is common for men who have prostate cancer to have pelvic pain.
4. Chronic fatigue
Prostate cancer can lead to anemia, which is a condition where the body does not have a sufficient amount of iron. If there is not enough iron, then the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. A low blood cell count can lead to anemia. If you are anemic, then you may find it difficult to complete simple activities.
5. Weakness in the feet or legs
If prostate cancer spreads, then you may develop weakness in your feet or legs. It may be hard for you to walk and complete your activities of daily living. Prostate cancer can also press on your spinal cord. This can cause you to lose control of your bladder or bowel function.