Prostate Cancer Symptoms: Early Signs, Red Flags, and When to See a Doctor

Prostate cancer can be difficult to spot early because most men have no symptoms in the early stages. Many men assume urinary symptoms automatically mean prostate cancer, but most of these symptoms are caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); a normal, age-related enlargement of the prostate.

Understanding which symptoms matter, and when to seek medical advice, can help ensure prostate cancer is detected and treated at the earliest possible stage.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Most Early Prostate Cancers Cause No Symptoms

Early prostate cancer usually develops slowly and often causes no symptoms at all. This is one of the reasons many men are diagnosed once the cancer has already progressed.

Symptoms More Commonly Caused by BPH (Not Cancer)

The majority of urinary symptoms men experience, especially with age, are due to benign prostatic hyperplasia:

• Getting up at night to urinate

• Passing urine more frequently during the day

• Difficulty starting urination

• Weaker urine stream

  
  

These symptoms occur because the prostate enlarges as men age and presses on the urethra and bladder neck.

BPH is not cancer, and most men with these symptoms do not have prostate cancer.

Red-Flag Symptoms That May Suggest Prostate Cancer

While most urinary symptoms are benign, a few symptoms are more concerning and may indicate that prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate capsule. These symptoms require urgent assessment.

1. Bone Pain

• Persistent

• Disturbs sleep

• Not relieved by movement or rest

  
  

2. Unintentional Weight Loss

3. Visible Blood in the Urine

Can You Have Prostate Cancer Without Any Symptoms?

Yes. This is extremely common. This is why understanding your personal risk , particularly age, ethnicity, and family history is crucial, and why some men benefit from PSA testing even in the absence of symptoms.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should book an appointment if you have any of the following:

• Persistent urinary symptoms

• Erectile dysfunction

• Strong family history of prostate cancer

• Black African or Caribbean heritage and aged over 45

• New bone pain

• Unintentional weight loss

• Visible blood in the urine

• Previous raised PSA

A GP can help determine whether your symptoms are due to BPH, prostatitis, or require further investigation for prostate cancer.

FAQs

1. Do urinary symptoms mean I have prostate cancer?

No. Most urinary symptoms in ageing men are caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, not prostate cancer.

2. Can prostate cancer have no symptoms?

Yes. Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at all, which is why risk-based screening is important.

3. What symptoms should I see a doctor about?

Red flags include bone pain, weight loss, and visible blood in the urine. Persistent urinary symptoms or erectile dysfunction should also be evaluated.

4. Does frequent urination mean cancer?

Frequent urination is usually due to BPH, a benign enlargement of the prostate, not cancer.

5. When should men of Black African or Caribbean heritage seek advice?

Men with Black heritage should consider speaking to a GP about prostate cancer risk from age 45, as they have a higher risk.