Prostate cancer grows very slowly without any noticeable signs in the initial stages. Hence, it’s one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose, and regular prostate cancer screenings are recommended. The prostate plays an important role in the reproductive system by producing seminal fluid that nourishes the sperm. The prostate also secretes prostate-specific antigen to enable semen to retain its liquid state and helps in urine control.
The symptoms and causes of prostate cancer are important aspects of diagnosing the condition early. In rare cases, the cancer cells can be aggressive, metastasize, and spread to other organs. Detecting the disease early helps in successfully treating the condition before it can grow.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
While there are no symptoms during the early stages of prostate cancer, there can be some warning signs as the condition progresses. These symptoms are
- Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Feeling pain while urinating
- Inability to control urination
- Pain or a burning sensation while urinating or ejaculating
- Feeling pressure or pain in the rectum
- Blood in urine or semen
- Urinary incontinence, especially while laughing or coughing
- Less fluid while ejaculating
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or thighs
- Inability to get or maintain an erection
Advanced Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
The study about the symptoms and causes of prostate cancer also includes advanced symptoms as the condition progresses. They are
- Swelling in the legs or the feet
- Significant changes in bowel habits
- Bone pain or even fracture
- Unexplained weight loss
- Excessive tiredness
Causes of Prostate Cancer
The symptoms and causes of prostate cancer are closely related to each other. However, the exact causes of prostate cancer are hard to detect. There are several factors, including genetics, the environmental aspects, exposure to certain chemicals and others that play a significant role.
Mutations in your DNA or the genetic materials are one of the main causes for the growth of cancerous cells in the prostate. These cells start growing abnormally and continue to divide until a tumor develops. This tumor can become aggressive and the cancerous cells metastasize and move to other organs in your body.
The changes in the glandular cells also lead to the development of prostate cancer. There are some risk factors associated with the development of prostate cancer, including
- Family History
Those with a close relative or a series of relatives with a history of prostate cancer are at high risk of developing prostate cancer. - Age
The risk of developing prostate cancer is higher in older men, generally above age 50. It rarely affects younger men. - Ethnicity
African-American males are at the highest risk of getting prostate cancer. Asian-American and Latino men have the lowest chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.