Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Risks

When we can find prostate cancer early, men have a better chance of successful treatment. However, early signs of prostate cancer can be hard to identify. There are also few risk factors to watch for that could increase your chances of getting prostate cancer.

In most cases, prostate cancer has no early signs. In later stages, prostate cancer symptoms may include:

• Deep pain in your lower back, belly, hip or pelvis
• Bladder not emptying completely when you urinate
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Weaker than normal urine stream
• Blood in your urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urination
• Inability to urinate
• Waking in the night to urinate

An enlarged prostate, which is common in older men, can also cause these symptoms. If you notice any of these possible prostate cancer signs, be sure to contact your doctor.

We don’t know the exact cause of prostate cancer. We do know that men with certain risk factors may be more likely to get it:

• Being African American
• Being over age 50
• Having a family history of prostate cancer

We recommend prostate cancer screening for all men who are:

• Over 40 and African American
• Between 55 and 70
• Over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer

You may reduce your risk of prostate cancer by eating more low-fat, high-fiber foods and foods with omega-3 fatty acids:

• Salmon, albacore tuna and sardines
• Soy products such as tofu and soybeans
• Tomatoes and foods that contain tomato sauce
• Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage
• Walnuts, flaxseed and their oils