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what are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer
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5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

Caitlin Iles | Nov 29, 2023

The Unseen Threat

Cancer occurs in the body when certain cells begin to grow out of control, interfering with their health and function. Prostate cancer happens when these malignant cells begin to grow within the prostate. Below we’ll cover the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer and look at treatment options like NUBEQA (darolutamide), a medication used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as androgen receptor inhibitors. NUBEQA (darolutamide) is specifically used for the treatment of non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC).

5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

Here are 5 warning signs of prostate cancer:

1. Frequent Urination

Remember how I mentioned that the prostate sits around the urethra? Well, because of this location, one of the first signs to look out for is frequent urination, especially at night. An oversized prostate can press on the bladder or urethra, causing a frequent urge to urinate.

2. Issues With Urine Flow

Another common early symptom that can indicate prostate cancer is a urine stream that is weaker or slower than normal or which stops and starts as you go. Since a tumor that grows on the prostate can press on the urethra, it can cause issues with urine flow.

3. Blood in the Urine

Blood in urine, or hematuria, is another warning sign of prostate cancer to look out for. The issue with urination is that an enlarged prostate or prostate tumor can cause the bladder not to empty fully. This prolonged issue of not fully emptying the bladder can cause blood in urine due to the higher risk of developing urinary tract infections.

4. Erectile Dysfunction

There can be many physical or psychological causes of erectile dysfunction, or impotence, one of which may be prostate cancer. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when it’s difficult or impossible to get or maintain an erection. If you are experiencing ED and have any of the other signs on this list, it’s worth making a doctor’s appointment to rule out prostate cancer as the root cause.

5. Bone Pain

This sign may indicate a cancer that has progressed from the prostate into the bones, which is why we placed it at the bottom of the list. Some areas where you may experience this pain include the hips, chest/ribs or spine.

If you are experiencing any of the following warning signs, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with your healthcare provider so that you can rule out prostate cancer or seek the appropriate treatment.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system that is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. Its job is to make some of the fluid found in semen. Typically, the prostate is the size of a walnut, though it can get bigger as we age. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder, and you’ll see below that this location causes some of the prostate cancer signs to watch for.

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Who is at Risk of Prostate Cancer?

While there are no guarantees when it comes to who will or won’t develop prostate cancer throughout their lifetime, there are some risk factors to be aware of that you can share with your doctor:

  • A family history of prostate cancer.
  • Being over the age of 50.
  • Certain ethnicities are at higher risk, such as those of African descent.
  • Genetic changes.
  • Obesity.

What are the Screening Guidelines for Prostate Cancer?

The American Cancer Society suggests the following screening guidelines based on age and risk factors. You should ask for a prostate-specific antigen test, and you may also receive a digital rectal exam as part of the process. Talk to your doctor about the best course of action for your health needs. The age at which you should begin checking your prostate is below:

  • Age 40: Men with the highest risk factors, such as those with more than one first-degree relative who was diagnosed at a young age, should be tested.
  • Age 45: Men with moderate risk factors, including one first-degree family member with prostate cancer, genetic changes, obesity or men of certain ethnicities, should be tested at this age.
  • Age 50: Men with average risk can begin being tested at age 50.

Extra Sign: Pain or Numbness in the Legs or Feet

Pain or numbness in the lower extremities is another sign that the cancer may have grown or spread and is pressing on the spine. You may also experience a loss of bladder or bowel control if the cancer has progressed to this state.

NUBEQA (darolutamide) for Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (nmCRPC)

NUBEQA (darolutamide) is a medication used to treat a type of prostate cancer called non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). This means the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body despite ongoing hormone therapy.

Darolutamide falls into a class of drugs known as androgen receptor inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking the effects of male hormones (androgens) that can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.

It's prescribed to delay the progression of prostate cancer in individuals with non-metastatic castration-resistant disease. Doctors may use darolutamide in combination with other treatments, depending on the specific situation of the patient.

Proactive Health

In the U.S., it is estimated that there will be 1.9 million new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2023 and just over 609,000 deaths, making it the second-highest cause of death in the nation.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the second leading cause of death, which means it’s important to be aware of the warning signs so that you can get checked out and hopefully catch it early.

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