There are no specific warning signs of prostate cancer, which is why regular screening is important. Since the prostate is close to the urethra and bladder, prostate cancer patients may see urinary symptoms.

Some early warning signs of prostate cancer include

• Painful ejaculation
• Pain or burning while urinating
• Erectile dysfunction 
• Difficulties while urinating
• Presence of blood in semen
• Frequent urges to urinate especially during the night
• Hematuria resulting in the presence of blood in the urine
• No control on the bladder
• Lower flow or velocity of the urine stream
• Leakage while laughing or coughing
• Unable to urinate while standing
• Reduction in the amount of fluid ejaculated
• Pain or pressure on the rectum
• Stiffness or pain in lower back, thighs, pelvis, or hips

The above symptoms may appear when the tumor results in the swelling of the prostate gland or it has spread beyond the prostate.

Once cancer has advanced, patients may notice the following symptoms:

• Problems in the bowel
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Dull and deep pain or stiffness in the upper thighs, pelvis, ribs, or lower back or pain in the bones around these areas
• Paralysis or weakness in the lower limbs often accompanied with constipation
• Numbness in the hips, feet, or legs
• Fatigue, vomiting, or nausea
• Pain in the bones that does not subside or may result in fractures
• Swelling in the lower extremities

Prostate cancer that recurs after treatment is known as recurrent cancer. If it returns around the prostate, it is classified as local recurrence. But if it reappears in another part of the body, it is classified as metastatic cancer.

The first sign of recurrent cancer is the sudden spike in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which should drop once the disease is treated. Other symptoms include

• Jaundice
• Presence of blood in the urine
• Difficulty while breathing
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Difficulties in urinating
• Pain in the lower back

Treatment depends on the age and health of the patients and if cancer has affected some parts of the prostate or the entire organ. Some of the most common treatments include

• Active surveillance if cancer does not cause any symptoms. The physician will monitor the changes in the patient’s conditions before commencing treatment.
• One of the most common treatments includes surgery, where the prostate and some surrounding tissue are removed.
• Radiation is used to kill cancer cells and shrink the tumor’s size. Radiation may from an X-ray machine or tiny radioactive pellets that are placed within or close to the tumor.
• Patients undergoing radiation therapy may be prescribed medications to stop the production of testosterone. Hormone therapy may also be prescribed if cancer has moved beyond the prostate.

If any of the aforementioned symptoms are notices, it is recommended that the patient immediately contacts the doctor to schedule the necessary tests for an accurate diagnosis.