It is important to understand that early prostate cancer often has no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are frequently caused by non-cancerous conditions like an enlarged prostate (BPH). However, certain warning signs should prompt a discussion with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Five potential warning signs that could indicate a prostate issue include:

Urinary Changes: This includes a weak or interrupted urine stream, difficulty starting or stopping urination, or a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urination.
Increased Frequency: Needing to urinate more often than usual, particularly during the night (nocturia).
Pain or Discomfort: Experiencing pain or a burning sensation during urination, or pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that does not go away.
Blood: The presence of blood in the urine or semen.
Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, though this is a common issue with many potential causes.

Crucial Note: These symptoms are not definitive signs of cancer and are more often linked to other, less serious prostate conditions. The only way to know the cause is through a professional medical assessment, which may involve a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). Men, especially those over 50 or with a family history of prostate cancer, should have regular discussions with their doctor about screening.

For information on evaluating performance in other standardized assessments, you can read about ASVAB score interpretation.

For comprehensive, authoritative information on prostate cancer symptoms, risk factors, and screening guidelines, please refer to the American Cancer Society: Prostate Cancer.