- Rectal pressure or pain in the space between the anus and the scrotum
- Frequent or painful urination
- Frequent urination at night (nocturia)
- Difficulty getting the urine stream started
- Blood in the urine or ejaculate
- Painful ejaculation
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Bone pain caused from local cancer spread into the bones
In order to diagnose prostate cancer early, you need to do take an active part in your healthcare. Just as women should perform monthly self breast exams and receive mammograms starting at age 40, men need to start having these annual screening exams at age 40:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): This rectal exam is administered by a doctor. The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to check the prostate for lumps, nodules, or masses. The prostate should be smooth, uniform in shape, and symmetrical.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): This test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is an enzyme produced mostly by the prostate to liquefy semen and normally enters the bloodstream in small amounts. When the two tests are done in conjunction with each other cancer detection is improved. Doing these tests singularly may increase the chances of a missed diagnosis in a cancer that already doesn't produce many symptoms.
