The Big Picture
With age, prostate cancer becomes a bigger health risk, so all men must be aware of the facts to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. The World Journal of Ecology reports that it is the second most common cancer diagnosis in men worldwide and is also globally the 5th leading cause of death.
Introducing Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer occurs when the small gland in the male reproductive system responsible for semen production develops abnormal cells. While early detection of the disease significantly increases the chance of a positive outcome, the prognosis varies depending on the progression, severity, and which types of prostate cancer you were diagnosed with.
Some signs could suggest a possible prostate cancer diagnosis, such as enlarged prostate symptoms or blood in your semen. However, early on in the disease, there may be no indications, pointing to the importance of regular screenings.
While most guidelines suggest you begin around age 50, men with a family history should start getting checks after the age of 45. What are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer? Keep reading, and we’ll give you 7.
Why Do Men Develop Prostate Cancer?
While the causes of prostate cancer remain somewhat elusive to scientists, there are risk factors, and certainly, researchers have determined how it develops in the body, if not the triggers. It occurs when modifications in the DNA cells in the prostate gland cause mutations, creating abnormal cells, which may begin to grow rapidly.
In some cases, the modified cells block tumor suppressor genes, which would help prevent damage and overgrowth of the cells. Other causes of prostate cancer may be an overproduction of oncogenes, which are responsible for cell growth and division 2).
Several possible inherited gene mutations can trigger these changes in your DNA. Among other risk factors, there is some evidence that poor lifestyle habits may be causes of prostate cancer and increase your chances of stimulating these DNA changes.
What Are 7 Typical Prostate Cancer Indicators?
If you have been experiencing several of these symptoms together, it could be a sign that you have prostate cancer – although this is by no means certain. However, even if you have a couple, you should get yourself checked just to be sure.
1. Urinary Tract Issues
The onset of enlarged prostate symptoms, which may include frequent urination, nighttime urination, a thin urine stream, blocked urination, or leakage may also be indicators of prostate cancer. Cancer may cause significant inflammation that could lead to these issues.
However, by no means are they specific signs you are dying of prostate cancer. Many men have prostate enlargement issues and symptoms as they age, so it is only one possible indicator.
2. Sudden Sexual Dysfunction
Although the nature of the connection is not completely clear, there does appear to be a link between enlarged prostate symptoms like frequent urination and erectile dysfunction. As such, sudden impotence, as well as loss of libido, may be cause for concern.
A study in the Central European Journal of Urology found that patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia often also had a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction.
3. Unexplained Tiredness
Unexplained tiredness is a symptom of many things, and it may not be one of the signs you are dying of prostate cancer. However, if you experience a loss of energy that persists along with a pattern of other symptoms, it could cause concern.
The fatigue is caused by the disease combined with your body’s efforts to fight cancer. During treatment, this exhaustion may become worse. An article on Translational Andrology and Urology discussed fatigue as an aspect of prostate cancer.
4. Bodily Pain
Unexpected pain is something you should always note as a possible warning sign of many potential issues. In particular, if you have pain during urination or ejaculation, you should get checked. It is often a sign of early-stage cancer and may be caused by a growth of cells in the prostate pressing against other areas. With advanced prostate cancer, there may be pain in your back, hips, and chest areas. However, it will only occur if the disease has spread to your bones.
5. Blood In Semen Or Urine
If you notice blood in your semen or urine, this is a possible indication of prostate cancer. There are other possibilities, such as a urinary tract condition or a sexually transmitted infection.
If you have enlarged prostate symptoms already, the blood could be related to that. However, you may take together these two of the top warning signs of prostate cancer.
6. Unexpected Weight Loss
Unexpected weight loss can occur with any type of cancer and is always a sign that something may be wrong. Prostate cancer is associated with loss of appetite, which plays an essential role in the decrease in weight. What are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer?
A sudden drop in weight is one of the top indicators, so do not ignore it. A review in the British Journal of Cancer[1] examined the research on the association between weight loss and cancer diagnosis in primary care.
7. No Indicators
Early prostate cancer may have no symptoms, as many issues begin when the tumor is of sufficient size to put pressure on the urethra. These stresses may show how crucial it is to get regular screenings done after 50 or earlier if you have a family history. What are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer? Sometimes there are no warnings at all. So, do keep up with your medical health.
Prostate Cancer Variations
Although there are several types of prostate cancer, 95% are classed as adenocarcinoma, which develops in the cells of the gland. On rare occasions, it might develop in the ducts, making it a ductal adenocarcinoma.
In about 4% of all cases, there is transitional cell carcinoma, which begins in the ducts or urethra and may then move over to the prostate. However, it may also start in the prostate and then spread to the bladder and other tissue. This variant is called urothelial carcinoma.
Other rare types of prostate cancer include sarcomas, primary carcinoid prostate tumors, as well as primary small cell carcinomas, which are a form of endocrine cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the flat cells covering the prostate and is rapidly spreading.
Possible Prostate Cancer Risks
Men over the age of 50 have a significantly greater chance of receiving this diagnosis. In addition, genetics play a key role, and men with first-degree relatives who have had prostate[2] or breast cancer have an increased risk.
There are also some risk factors related to race, as African American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and often have more advanced symptoms. A study in Cancer[3] pointed out that American black men have a 1.8 times greater chance of receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis compared to white men.
There are also lifestyle factors that may be causes of prostate cancer development, the primary one being obesity. In addition, obesity may predict a more aggressive cancer.
Indications Of Stage 4 Prostate Cancer
A diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer means that the cells have spread outside the prostate to the bones, lymph nodes, or other organs in the body. Once you reach stage 4, the condition is not curable, and this diagnosis is one of the signs you are dying of prostate cancer.
Signs that you may be in stage 4 might include unexplained weight loss, bone pain, as well as serious enlarged prostate symptoms like blocked urine passage, leakage, or frequent nighttime urination.
These could be signs you are dying of prostate cancer, but the only way to determine for certain is through a series of tests, including a biopsy and possibly a transrectal ultrasound, MRI and CT scan to track spreading, and a PSA test measuring the prostate-specific antigens in your blood.
How Do I Prepare As My Cancer Becomes Advanced?
If there are signs you are dying of prostate cancer, you may be wondering what to expect as the disease advances and how to prepare yourself and your loved ones. Some people find that having as much information as possible about their condition and prognosis is helpful psychologically. Others may choose to know less to decrease anxiety.
In terms of symptoms, the pain medication should help manage your discomfort. At the very end of your illness, some of the signs you are dying of prostate cancer may include confusion, changes in breathing, loss of appetite, drowsiness, and changes in skin temperate or color [5].
How Does the Spread Of Prostate Cancer Occur?
Prostate cancer is slow-growing cancer, and for this reason, it is often caught early and treated successfully. However, the cancer cells can spread outside the prostate or urethra to neighboring tissue that often begins with the bones. Once this occurs, this is one of the significant signs you are dying of prostate cancer.
The cells could migrate to your lymph nodes, and from there spread to other parts of the body, and they could also metastasize through the blood. Some types of prostate cancer, such as carcinomas could spread more aggressively, but they are rare.
What Are Some Of The Problematic Aspects of Prostate Cancer?
Men who undergo prostate cancer may have enlarged prostate symptoms like frequent urination, especially at night, or leakage. Many men experience erectile dysfunction, which can impact their sex life. In addition, the disease and the treatment might cause fatigue and disrupt your life and motivation. Some cancer patients experience issues with mood, such as depression.
What Are Some of The Issues Related To Having Advanced Prostate Cancer?
Advanced prostate cancer is associated with severe enlarged prostate symptoms, such as painful urination, a thin urine stream, or blocked urine. Other issues may include bone pain, swelling in the legs, pain from nerve damage, fatigue, impotence, and rapid weight loss.
What Are Some Signs I Should Watch For?
What are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer? If you experience symptoms such as blood in your semen or urine, frequent urination during the day or at night, burning during urination or ejaculation, erectile dysfunction without warming, or difficulty controlling your urine stream, see a doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
While researchers aren’t certain of the reason behind the development, one of the primary causes of prostate cancer is chemical variations in the normal cells of the prostate gland that can lead to mutations. The result may be these abnormal cells growing uncontrollably.
The Mayo Clinic[4] indicates that there are certain steps you can take to decrease your risk, including eating a healthy diet high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, keeping to a healthy weight, exercising, and getting regular medical screenings.
If you have some symptoms, see your physician immediately for screening. While these may not be signs you are dying of prostate cancer, it is always important to get checked. If the results indicate prostate cancer, they will refer you to an oncologist for treatment.
While women do not have a prostate gland, they have similar tissue located under the urethra called the Skene's glands. While women sometimes develop cancer in the area, the incidence is less than 0.003%, according to a case report in Gynecological Oncology[5].
The Bottom Line
Prostate cancer is a diagnosis that many men fear, but it is important to realize that regularly looking out for the signs and getting screenings can help increase your chances of a good prognosis. While there are a few types of prostate cancer, 95% are slow-growing and have a good treatment success rate.
What are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer? If you notice symptoms like erectile dysfunction, pain in your bones, burning when you urinate or ejaculate, blood in your semen or urine, or frequent urination, there is a chance you could have the disease.
Some people like to arm themselves with information, surround themselves with loved ones, or try to enjoy the time they can, while others may express anger or other emotions – or a combination. All approaches are valid ways to cope.
