Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and one of the easiest the miss early on. In many cases it develops slowly and doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms right away.
“Prostate cancer can be slow-growing, but it can also be aggressive,” says Joseph Wagner, MD, chief of urology and director of robotic surgery at Hartford Hospital. “As it grows, your body may start to signal that something’s not right, and that’s when it’s important to catch it early.”
Here’s what you need to watch for.
1. Changes in how you pee
Subtle shifts in your bathroom habits are often the first sign something has changed.
You might notice changes like needing to go more often, especially at night, or having trouble starting or fully emptying your bladder.
“Any noticeable change in urinary habits – like increased frequency or trouble emptying your bladder – should be discussed with your doctor,” says Dr. Wagner.
These symptoms could point to a condition like an enlarged prostate or something more serious like prostate cancer. But either way, talking to your doctor can help pinpoint the cause.
> Related: Do I Need a PSA Test for Prostate Cancer?
2. Blood in your urine or semen
Seeing blood in your urine or semen can be alarming, and it’s never something to ignore.
“This can be a sign of several conditions, like bladder and kidney cancer – and in some rare cases, prostate cancer,” says Dr. Wagner. “Talk to your doctor.”
Even if it only happens once or seems to come and go, it’s worth getting checked out right away.
> Related: 3 Causes of Prostate Cancer
3. Pain or burning when you pee or ejaculate
Pain or burning when you pee or ejaculate is usually linked to something more common, like an infection or inflammation.
If the discomfort sticks around, gets worse or shows up with other changes like urinary problems, it’s worth bringing up with your doctor.
“While infections are common, see your doctor if you have persistent pain or burning with urination or ejaculation – especially if you’re over 50,” Dr. Wagner says.
> Related: Should I Get Genetic Testing for Prostate Cancer?
4. Erectile dysfunction
Trouble getting or keeping an erection is common, and it doesn’t always point to something serious.
But because sexual health is linked to your overall prostate health, changes here can sometimes be part of a bigger picture.
“Erectile dysfunction has many causes,” says Dr. Wagner. “But talk to your provider if it’s new and comes with other urinary symptoms.”
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5. Pain in your lower back, hips or pelvis
Aches in your lower back, hips or pelvis are easy to blame on how you slept or just getting older. But if the pain is persistent or not getting better, it’s worth paying attention.
In some cases, pain in these areas can happen if prostate cancer has spread to nearby bones, especially the pelvis or spine.
“Make sure to get unexplained, ongoing pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis checked out – especially if you’re over 50,” says Dr. Wagner.
> Related: What Every Man Should Know About Prostate Cancer
6. Sudden weight loss or fatigue
Losing weight without trying might sound like a bonus, but it can actually be a red flag. The same goes for fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and drags on for weeks.
“These symptoms aren’t specific to prostate cancer, but they can be signs something serious is going on,” says Dr. Wagner. “Don’t wait to talk to your doctor.”
> Related: Can Sex Lower Your Risk of Prostate Cancer?
Protect your prostate health
Prostate cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms right away. So by the time something feels off, it may already be more advanced.
That’s why it helps to know your risk and talk to your doctor about screening before problems start. Men with higher risk should begin screening at age 40, while most others should start at age 50.
“If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor,” says Dr. Wagner. “And if you have risk factors, speak up. This conversation (and screening) could save your life.”
