Understanding Signs & Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Last updated and reviewed on March 1 9, 2026. 

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells in the prostate. These cells grow and multiply too fast and form a tumor. 

These usually cause the first signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. “Signs” are measured by tests, like a blood test. “Symptoms” are something you feel in your body, like nausea or pain. 

It is important to remember that many of the signs and symptoms listed below could be caused by something other than cancer. If you are concerned about health changes or symptoms you are experiencing, talk to a doctor.

What are the signs and symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Common signs and symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Changes in urination (weak flow, frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping)

• Blood in the urine or semen

• Ongoing pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

• Unexplained fatigue or weight loss

• A feeling that the bladder is not fully empty

Note: These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate. Always see your doctor for a proper evaluation.

Most common symptoms of prostate cancer: changes in urination

Some of the most common early symptoms of prostate cancer are changes in urination. This is because the growing prostate can press on the tube that carries urine. These include:

• Needing to urinate more often, especially at night (nocturia)

• Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)

• A weak or interrupted flow of urine

• A feeling that the bladder is not fully empty

• Sudden strong urge to urinate (urgency)

• Urinary leakage or loss of bladder control

Less common symptoms

These symptoms are less common but still important to watch for:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)

• Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection)

• Pain with ejaculation

• Blood in the semen

Symptoms of advanced (metastatic) prostate cancer

Prostate cancer and its treatments can affect many parts of the body beyond just the prostate. Here is a simple overview of the body systems that can be impacted:

Bones and Muscles
Prostate cancer often spreads to the bones, causing bone pain, especially in the back, hips, pelvis, or ribs, weakened bones, and in serious cases, broken bones. Back pain or weakness in the legs (if cancer is pressing on the spine). Hormone treatments used to fight prostate cancer can also cause bones to become thinner and weaker over time, increasing the risk of fractures.

Urinary System
As the prostate tumor grows, it can press on the tube that carries urine out of the body, making it hard to urinate. Radiation therapy used to treat prostate cancer can also cause urinary problems such as burning, leaking, or going to the bathroom more often.

Heart and Blood Vessels
Hormone therapy, one of the most common treatments for prostate cancer, can raise the risk of heart disease. It can increase cholesterol and fat levels in the blood, cause weight gain, and make it harder for the body to manage blood sugar -- all of which put extra strain on the heart.

Nervous System
If prostate cancer spreads to the spine, it can press on the spinal cord and nerves, causing back pain, weakness in the legs, or, in severe cases, loss of feeling or movement.

Hormonal and Metabolic System
Hormone therapy can cause the body to change the way it stores fat and uses energy. Over time, this can lead to weight gain, higher blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of developing diabetes.

Reproductive and Sexual System
Prostate cancer and its treatments can affect sexual health, including causing erectile dysfunction, reduced sex drive, and changes in fertility. These side effects can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

Take a look at all the prostate 101 guides