Prostate cancer: Watch out for THESE 3 symptoms other than urinary problems

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. It occurs when cells in the prostate, a walnut-shaped gland in males, grow uncontrollably and form a mass, also called a tumor. In most cases, prostate cancer does not cause any noticeable symptoms, particularly in the early stages, which is why experts recommend going for regular screenings to avoid delayed diagnosis and treatment.

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Prostate is a gland that is located in the lower pelvis, just below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, which is a tube that helps empty out the urine from the bladder. This is why when the tumor grows, it presses on the tube, leading to urinary symptoms. These include:

- The need to pee more frequently, often during the night

- The need to rush to the toilet

- Difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)

- Straining or taking a long time while peeing

- Weak flow

- Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully

- Blood in urine

For people with prostate cancer, urinary problems may not be the only set of symptoms. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), blood in the urine or semen, continuous pain in the back, hips, or pelvis, and painful ejaculation could be other symptoms associated with the disease.

It is important to note that having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. These can occur due to other conditions. Do not panic and get your prostate examined.

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If left undiagnosed or untreated, prostate cancer can metastasize, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body. The most common part includes the bones. From your back to your hips to ribs, watch out for any signs of bone metastases. These include: Swelling in the leg or feet, unintentional, unexplained weight loss, and numbness and weakness in the limbs.

A lot of times, urinary symptoms may be misunderstood as something benign or harmless urinary problems may be mistaken for prostate cancer. Both situations can complicate matters.

In order to be sure, one must go for a prostate screening. This will not only clear the confusion, but will also provide a relevant treatment plan.

In certain cases, prostate cancer may be asymptomatic, meaning there may be no signs or symptoms. This is when a health screening can help detect the disease. Timely diagnosis is extremely important to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the common risk factors of prostate cancer include:

- Older age i.e. people aged 50 and above

- Race - many health bodies suggest that black people are at a greater risk of prostate cancer than other races.

- A family history of prostate cancer or genetics.

- Obesity