Signs, symptoms and screening
Signs of prostate cancer can vary by individuals. Some men don't even have symptoms at all. But some of the signs doctors see most include frequent urination, weak or interrupted flow of urine, trouble urinating or pain or burning while urinating. Other common symptoms are pain during ejaculation, blood in the urine or semen, and pain in the back or hips that doesn’t go away.4
What’s tricky is that some of these can be symptoms of entirely different problems. So don't assume the worst. See your doctor to get answers and make a plan.
Doctors have differing opinions about whether men without symptoms should get regular screening for prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about what he or she recommends for you.
Typical treatments for prostate cancer
To treat prostate cancer, doctors can use surgery, radiation or hormone therapy. Other types of treatment are being tested too. These include cryotherapy (freezing the cancer cells), chemotherapy, biological therapy and high-intensity focused ultrasound. Researchers in Europe recently reported promising results from a form of light therapy that attacks prostate tumors.5
Each of these treatment options has its pros and cons. In fact, not every case of prostate cancer needs to be treated. If your cancer is diagnosed late in life and is slow-growing, your doctor may feel that watching and waiting is best.6
For more information about prostate cancer and its treatment, visit the , opens new window