Symptoms of Prostate Cancer – Early Signs and When to Take Action

Mar 11

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in many countries, including Sweden. It’s a disease that often develops quietly, with few or no symptoms in its early stages. That’s one of the reasons why so many cases go undetected until the cancer has progressed – and why understanding the symptoms of prostate cancer can literally be life-saving.

In this article, we’ll explore:

Why prostate cancer is often symptom-free early on
The most common signs and symptoms
How symptoms differ from other prostate conditions
When to seek medical attention
How modern testing can detect prostate cancer earlier and more accurately

Why Are Early Symptoms So Uncommon?

Unlike many other types of cancer, prostate cancer tends to grow very slowly. It often begins in the outer areas of the prostate, far from the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder). As a result, it doesn’t always press on nearby structures or cause noticeable issues right away.

Many men live with prostate cancer for years without realizing it. Some never experience any symptoms at all, and in certain cases, the disease never becomes aggressive.

But when symptoms do appear, they’re often the result of the tumor growing large enough to:

Affect the urinary system
Cause inflammation
Spread to surrounding tissue or bone

Knowing the signs to watch for can help you act quickly if something changes in your body.

Most Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Let’s take a closer look at the signs and symptoms that may indicate prostate cancer is present – particularly when the disease has started to progress.

1. Trouble Urinating

This is one of the earliest and most common signs. It may include:

Difficulty starting to urinate
A weak or interrupted urine stream
Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bladder

These symptoms are often mistaken for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, which is very common in older men. But if they appear suddenly or worsen over time, it’s worth investigating.

2. Frequent Urination – Especially at Night

Needing to urinate more frequently, especially during the night (a condition called nocturia), may also be a sign. Waking up two or more times a night to urinate may seem minor, but it can be an early clue that something is off.

3. Pain or Burning When Urinating

Painful urination is less common with prostate cancer but may occur if the tumor causes inflammation or infection. This symptom can also indicate a urinary tract infection or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).

4. Blood in Urine or Semen

This symptom should always be taken seriously. Even a small amount of visible blood can be a red flag. It doesn’t always mean cancer, but it warrants immediate medical attention.

Medical term: Hematuria (blood in urine) or hematospermia (blood in semen).

5. Erectile Dysfunction

Men with prostate cancer may experience:

Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Painful ejaculation
Decreased libido

While erectile issues are common with aging, they may also be related to prostate changes, especially if they occur suddenly.

6. Pain in Lower Back, Hips, or Pelvis

If prostate cancer spreads beyond the gland, it commonly moves into bones – particularly in the spine, pelvis, or hips. This can cause:

Dull or persistent lower back pain
Discomfort in the pelvic area
Pain in the thighs or legs

Bone pain from metastatic cancer is a serious symptom and should be investigated immediately.

7. Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue

In more advanced cases, prostate cancer may cause general symptoms such as:

Sudden weight loss without trying
Loss of appetite
Persistent fatigue or weakness

These are signs that the body is under stress or fighting a serious illness – and while not specific to prostate cancer, they should not be ignored.

When to See a Doctor

You should contact your doctor if you experience:

Difficulty urinating or emptying your bladder
Frequent or urgent urination, especially at night
Blood in urine or semen
Erectile dysfunction that appears suddenly
Persistent back or pelvic pain
Unexplained fatigue or weight loss

Even if symptoms seem mild, they’re worth checking out – especially if you’re over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer.

Silent Danger: Symptom-Free Cancer

A large percentage of prostate cancers are found in men who have no symptoms at all.

This makes screening tests critical. They can identify cancers at an early, treatable stage before symptoms ever appear.

Testing Options for Early Detection

If you or your doctor suspect prostate cancer, you may be offered one or more of the following tests:

1. PSA Test

A simple blood test measuring prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Elevated PSA can be a sign of cancer – but also of BPH or inflammation.

2. Stockholm3 Test

A more advanced blood test combining:

Five biomarkers (including PSA)
Genetic markers
Clinical data (age, family history, etc.)

It provides a personalized risk score for aggressive prostate cancer, helping doctors decide whether further tests or biopsies are needed.

3. MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives detailed images of the prostate to locate suspicious areas before a biopsy.

4. Biopsy

The only way to confirm prostate cancer. Small tissue samples are taken from the prostate and analyzed under a microscope.

Why Early Detection Matters

If detected early, prostate cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
Localized prostate cancer (confined to the prostate) has a 5-year survival rate close to 100%.

Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer is harder to treat and may require more aggressive therapies, with increased side effects and reduced survival.

That’s why understanding symptoms – or lack thereof – is so important.

What If You Have No Symptoms?

Even if you feel fine, it can be a good idea to get tested if:

You’re over 50
You have a father or brother who had prostate cancer
You’re of African descent (risk is higher)
You want to take a proactive approach to your health

With tests like Stockholm3, you can get a clearer picture of your risk and avoid unnecessary biopsies.

Take Action

You know your body best. If something feels off, don’t ignore it.
Modern medicine offers accurate, low-risk tests that can give you peace of mind – or help you act early if cancer is present.

Caj Westlund