Prostate cancer

This article was posted by the Mayo Clinic. Read more here. 

Prostate cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the prostate. The prostate is a small gland that helps make semen. It’s found just below the bladder. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Prostate cancer is usually found early, and it often grows slowly. Most people with prostate cancer are cured.

People diagnosed with early prostate cancer often have many treatment options to consider. It can feel overwhelming to learn about all the options and make a choice. Treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy or carefully watching the prostate cancer to see if it grows.

If the cancer grows beyond the prostate or if it spreads, there are still many treatment options. Prostate cancer that spreads can be more difficult to cure. But even when a cure isn’t possible, treatments can slow the growth of the cancer and help you live longer.

Symptoms

Prostate cancer may not cause symptoms at first. Most prostate cancers are found at an early stage. This means that the cancer is only in the prostate. An early-stage prostate cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms.

When they happen, early-stage prostate cancer signs and symptoms can include:

• Blood in the urine, which might make the urine look pink, red or cola-colored.
• Blood in the semen.
• Needing to urinate more often.
• Trouble getting started when trying to urinate.
• Waking up to urinate more often at night.

If the prostate cancer spreads, other symptoms can happen. Prostate cancer that spreads to other parts of the body is called metastatic prostate cancer. It also might be called stage 4 prostate cancer or advanced prostate cancer.

Signs and symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include:

• Accidental leaking of urine.
• Back pain.
• Bone pain.
• Difficulty getting an erection, called erectile dysfunction.
• Feeling very tired.
• Losing weight without trying.
• Weakness in the arms or legs.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional if you have any symptoms that worry you.

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