17 Prostate Cancer Warning Signs Hiding in Plain Sight

One in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Association. And while it ranks second to skin cancer in terms of prevalence amongst men, unlike skin cancer, which can often be identified with the naked eye, symptoms of prostate cancer can be much harder to pinpoint when the disease is in its early stages. "Prostate cancer doesn't usually have symptoms until it's in its later stages," Virginia-based urologist Jennifer Young, MD, told the StoneSprings Hospital Center. "That's why screening with the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, and sometimes the digital rectal exam, are recommended." In addition to getting regular screenings, doctors recommend keeping an eye out for the following symptoms of prostate cancer and notifying your doctor immediately if you think there is something wrong.

If you had chickenpox as a kid, then you're at risk for shingles as an adult. And according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three healthy adults will get shingles during their lifetimes, usually when they're over 40. Before the shingles rash shows up, most people will notice—and ignore—a throbbing pain or itchy sensation on one side of their torso. Paying attention to this symptom can help you end your suffering before it gets worse. And for more bodily aches you should be listening to, check out 15 Common Pains You Should Never Ignore.

If you've cleaned up your diet and have been hitting the gym, it's very clear why you might be shedding a few pounds. But if you're suddenly losing weight out of nowhere without trying to, it could be a signal of a health problem—prostate cancer included. According to Prostate Cancer U.K., weight loss often occurs with prostate cancer because of a "change in the way your body uses energy," and that can eventually make you feel tired and weak.

Having difficulty walking or climbing stairs due to pain or weakness? It's time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. According to South Carolina-based urologist Neal Shore, MD, it's a symptom that can emerge as prostate cancer progresses. "Men with advanced disease and their caregivers describe difficulty walking or climbing stairs," he wrote on Oncology Nurse Advisor. "These symptoms can have a major impact on daily quality of life, but men with advanced disease don't always recognize these symptoms."

Don't assume pain or discomfort while you're sitting isn't a big deal. It's another possible warning sign of prostate cancer, and it typically occurs as the disease progresses. In an article on his website, New York City-based urologist and robotic surgeon David Samadi, MD, said that the issue is caused by an enlarged prostate, which makes it very uncomfortable to sit normally.

Having pain in your bones in any capacity should never go ignored, especially if it is severe or persistent. "In adults, the most common form of bone cancer is when cancer from another organ has traveled to the bone," Gregory Domson, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Richmond, Virginia, told UVA Health. It has metastasized to the bone. In men, it's commonly prostate cancer. So, if you have bone pain, that's going to be a clear indicator that something is going on," he says.

In addition to pain in your bones and lower back, pain in your hips or upper thighs can also be potential symptoms of prostate cancer, according to Robert J. Cornell, MD, a urologist in Houston, Texas.

Cornell also says that as prostate cancer becomes more advanced, you may also experience a dull pain in your lower pelvic area. It's described as being very similar to the pain you feel when you have a toothache—not the type of pain or soreness you would feel after a hard workout.

According to Johns Hopkins University, swelling in your lower extremities could be a symptom of advanced prostate cancer, especially when it occurs alongside other symptoms, including "urinary, erectile, or ejaculation dysfunction." When the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it causes a blockage, which leads to the build-up of fluids and swelling in your body.

"One of several possible causes of having to urinate more frequently at night could be prostate cancer and prostate health, especially if you're limiting liquid intake several hours before bedtime," Paulson says.

No one wants to deal with a urinary tract infection (UTI). You likely know that the issue is typically caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and multiplying. But were you aware that having low levels of vitamin D could be the reason behind the infection, too? According to a 2013 study published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, researchers found that recurrent UTIs in women were associated with a vitamin D deficiency.

Experiencing a lack of control and losing your ability to stop urinating can also be a sign of prostate cancer. If it's something you're experiencing, Paulson says it's important to bring it up to your doctor.

The most common cause having pain or a burning senstation when urinating is a bladder infection, Paulson says. "However, if your urine test comes back negative for infection or the burning and pain is persistent, be sure to dig a little deeper and check your prostate. It could be an easily missed sign of prostate cancer," she says.

If you went from having a normal stream to a weaker flow, that's another sign you need to see your doctor. "When there's a mass or swelling in the prostate, it can press on the urethra," Paulson says. "It's almost like pinching a straw. If you pinch a straw, it's hard for liquid to come through your straw. The same thing can happen to urine flow, making it hard to have a strong urine stream."

After examining 727 cases of ischemic stroke, a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that 30 percent of patients had an infection in the 90 days preceding the stroke. One of the most common being a urinary tract infection, or UTI. And because UTIs can be the result of holding urine and not drinking enough water, according to the Mayo Clinic, you'll want to avoid those habits in order to decrease your risk of stroke.

Like blood in your urine, seeing blood in your semen can also signal an incredibly serious problem. "If you're a man over 40 years old and have blood in your semen, you need to be screened for prostate cancer," Paulson says. Because these symptoms often occurs in the advanced stages of the disease, ignoring it could have serious consequences.

According to Paulson, men over 40 should also be screened for prostate cancer if they're experiencing painful ejaculation. In addition, a decreased volume of ejaculate can be another indicator of prostate cancer, according to Johns Hopkins University, although that can also be attributed to factors like hydration levels and diet.