Prostate cancer is one of the most fearsome types of cancer in men as it grows silently and manifestations only arise when the tumor is big enough to start causing problems. Different from benign prostatic hyperplasia, cancer usually grows opposite to the urinary bladder, and the first clinical manifestations are detected through a rectal exam. But after age 40, we should pay closer attention to specific signs and symptoms. These signs and symptoms are not necessarily caused by prostate cancer, but they should serve as a warning to look for professional medical advice and perform the appropriate tests to rule out this fearsome disease.
The most relevant signs and symptoms of prostate cancer are as follows:
Weak Urine Flow
When people say they have a weak urine flow, they usually refer to a series of symptoms at the same time. They typically report stopping and starting all over again, making an effort to urinate the complete volume of the bladder. In the end, they might get some dribbling, and during urination, the stream of urine is weak and thin. In some cases, men would find it difficult to direct the flow of urine, and they might even decide to sit instead of standing up to urinate to avoid making a mess.
Weak urine flow is a prostate cancer symptom because the prostate is located around the urethra, which is the structure that leads the urine flow from the bladder to the outside. The prostate has a capsule that initially prevents the gland from growing to the sides, so it starts growing to the inside, against the urethra. Such a growth pattern squeezes the urethra and causes the commonly reported weak urine flow.
Weak urine flow is a common symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Other medical conditions should be ruled out as well, and not even a doctor will be able to know whether or not you have prostate cancer without a rectal exam and appropriate testing. Keep in mind this is a silent disease and may go unnoticed for a very long time until it is too late, so do not delay your yearly check-ups if you’re over the age of 45 years old.
