Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland. It is listed among the most common cancers amongst men. Most prostate cancers are slow growing, and don’t always spread to places other than the prostate gland. Despite some prostate cancers requiring quick treatment, others grow at a slower rate and require less treatment (or a watch and wait approach). While the exact cause of prostate cancer is not yet clearly defined, medical researchers believe it develops when prostate cells undergo abnormal DNA changes.

Here are the most common signs of prostate cancer to look out for:

1. Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow

The urethra transports urine from an individual’s bladder in order to pass it out. It then travels to the prostate gland’s middle. When the prostate gland presses against an individual’s urethra, troubles with urinating can occur. Issues could include a weakened urine system, incomplete emptying, and urinary hesitancy.

2. Pelvic pain

Pain or tenderness in the pelvic area can occur if the prostate gland expands. During the expansion process, the gland can press on the urethra, causing pelvic pain. The muscles of the bladder may continue weakening from excess strain, causing pain to worsen. Therefore, this cancer causes stiffness, deep pain, or achiness in the pelvic area.

3. Blood present in urine

One of the symptoms of prostate cancer is either microscopic or visible blood in men’s urine. Enlarged prostate due to prostate cancer or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can lead to blood in urine due to the enlarged prostate. This blood is the result of friable prostate hypervascularity, where blood vessels are easily disrupted by physical activity.

4. Chronic fatigue from a low red blood cell count

Prostate cancer can also affect an individual’s bone marrow. Bone marrow processes the red blood cells, and if this cancer affects bone marrow, it leads to reduced red blood cells count. This in turn causes anemia, making individuals feel fatigued or even dizzy.

5. Sudden weight loss

Commonly, individuals with prostate cancer tend to lose weight as a result of the treatment process. It is common for foods to taste different to patients during treatment. Combined with the stress of dealing with cancer, it is easy for patients to unintentionally lose weight. In addition, severe prostate cancer changes the way an individual’s body consumes energy, also resulting in excess weight loss.

6. Pain or burning when ejaculating

Prostate cancer sometimes can lead to pain and burning sensations during ejaculation. An individual can experience pain in the perineum areas and urethra. This pain is caused by a prostate inflammation, referred to as prostatitis, which causes the prostate’s soreness or irritation. The pain can also result from the swelling of the urethra or nerve damage caused by the cancer.

7. Sudden erectile dysfunction

Prostate cancer makes individuals experience difficulties in getting or keeping an erection. This condition is also referred to as impotence. Also, sudden erectile dysfunction may occur due to prostate cancer therapy, including hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. Psychological difficulties such as stress and depression associated with this cancer can also lead to a lower sexual drive.