Prostate Cancer

Signs of prostate cancer include a weak flow of urine or frequent urination.

These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by prostate cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Weak or interrupted ("stop-and-go") flow of urine
• Sudden urge to urinate
• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Trouble starting the flow of urine
• Trouble emptying the bladder completely
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Blood in the urine or semen
• A pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away
• Shortness of breath, feeling very tired, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or pale skin caused by anemia

Other conditions may cause the same symptoms. As men age, the prostate may get bigger and block the urethra or bladder. This may cause trouble urinating or sexual problems. The condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and although it is not cancer, surgery may be needed. The symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia or of other problems in the prostate may be like symptoms of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer is most common in older men. Some prostate cancer risk factors include:

• African American ethnicity
• Being over age 50
• Being overweight
• Family (especially a father, brother or son) and genetic history of cancer

Because prostate cancer now affects 1 in 8 men in the U.S., screenings are more important than ever. You’re eligible to start annual prostate cancer screenings at age 45 if you have a high risk of prostate cancer, or at age 50 if you have an average risk.

A urologist is the best expert to work with to get a prostate screening test like a digital rectal exam (DRE), a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, a lipid panel or an imaging test. Your urologist will work with you to understand which is best for you.