Prostate Cancer: Symptoms to Look Out For

Have you ever noticed changes in your urinary habits or felt unusual discomfort but weren’t sure whether it was serious? Many men experience subtle symptoms that are easy to dismiss, yet these could occasionally indicate a prostate condition, including prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer affecting men in Singapore, and early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Here, we look at the key symptoms to watch for, how prostate cancer develops, and why timely consultation and screening matter. Read on to learn more.

Understanding the Prostate

The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, similar in size and shape to a walnut. It sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Its main role is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Since the prostate encircles the urethra, any change in its size or condition, whether from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or cancer, can directly affect urinary function. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the gland, often causing no noticeable symptoms.

Some forms can be more aggressive and may spread beyond the prostate, leading to more significant signs and complications. The causes of prostate cancer are complex but commonly relate to age, family history and genetic factors.

Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Early-stage prostate cancer often produces no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. When signs do appear, they typically relate to urinary or reproductive function. Keep in mind that these symptoms can also arise from non-cancerous conditions such as BPH or urinary tract infections.

The potential signs can be grouped into two categories: local and systemic.

Local Symptoms (Related to Prostate/Urinary Tract)

Prostate cancer often affects structures close to the prostate, so early signs commonly involve changes in urination or sexual function. Below are symptoms that may warrant medical attention:

• Difficulty Passing Urine

  You may experience hesitancy, a weak or slow stream, or the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. Frequent urination, particularly at night, is also common.

• Pain While Urinating

  Discomfort or burning during urination, known as dysuria, is often due to infection but may occasionally signal prostate cancer, especially if linked to incomplete bladder emptying or bladder neck involvement.

• Blood in Your Urine

  Even a single episode of blood in the urine, medically termed haematuria, warrants prompt medical attention. While often caused by infections or kidney stones, it can sometimes indicate a prostate issue.

• Blood in Your Semen

  Known as haematospermia, the presence of blood in semen is often alarming but is usually benign. However, as the prostate contributes to seminal fluid, its presence can, in rare cases, be a symptom of prostate cancer or other underlying issues.

• Difficulty Getting or Maintaining an Erection

  Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common, especially with increasing age. However, if it develops suddenly or becomes noticeably worse, it may be a sign that cancer is affecting the nearby nerves responsible for sexual function. In this situation, a detailed assessment is required to determine whether prostate cancer treatment is the best next step.

Systemic Symptoms (Often Indicating Advanced Stages)

These symptoms typically suggest the disease has spread beyond the prostate, often signifying advanced stages of prostate cancer symptoms or metastatic disease.

• Pain in Your Lower Back or Upper Thighs

  Such symptoms are commonly associated with metastatic prostate cancer. When prostate cancer spreads beyond the gland, it often affects the bones, especially the spine, pelvis or upper thighs. This can lead to persistent, unexplained pain in the back, hips or pelvis that does not improve with rest and may be more noticeable at night.

• Unexplained Weight Loss

  Significant, unintentional weight loss may indicate that the body is under stress from widespread disease. This is a general symptom seen in many advanced cancers and should prompt a medical evaluation.

• Fatigue

  Ongoing or severe tiredness without a clear cause may occur when cancer affects the body’s ability to function normally or when it spreads to the bone marrow, reducing blood cell production.

Consulting a Doctor for Prostate Cancer

Because early symptoms can be subtle or absent, regular screening is crucial, particularly for men at higher risk. The initial consultation will involve a comprehensive review of your medical history and a physical assessment, which typically includes a digital rectal examination (DRE). Further steps often require a blood test to measure your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. A persistently elevated PSA result is the most common reason for a specialist referral and further investigation. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your specialist will develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your condition.

Protect Your Prostate Health

Prostate cancer often develops silently, but being proactive can make a significant difference. Recognising the warning signs, maintaining regular check-ups, and discussing screening options with a specialist can help catch issues early and improve treatment outcomes.

If you are over 50—or 40 with a family history of prostate cancer—or have noticed any concerning symptoms, contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards safeguarding your prostate health.