New Delhi, 14 June 2025: Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, particularly those over the age of 50. What makes it especially dangerous is that its early warning signs are often subtle and easily confused with other less serious health issues. Many symptoms develop gradually and are often attributed to aging, urinary tract infections, or benign prostate enlargement, which delays diagnosis and treatment. Recognising the early signs can be life-saving. Here are 10 symptoms of prostate cancer that are frequently mistaken for something else, but should never be ignored.
1. Frequent Urge to Urinate, Especially at Night
This is often mistaken for a common sign of aging or an overactive bladder. However, prostate cancer can cause the prostate gland to press against the urethra, leading to increased urgency—especially at night.
2. Difficulty Starting or Stopping Urination
Many men brush this off as a temporary urinary issue or age-related weakness in bladder control. In reality, it could signal obstruction from an enlarged or cancerous prostate.
3. Weak or Interrupted Urine Flow
A slow or dribbling stream is usually linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but in some cases, it could be caused by cancer pressing on the urethra.
4. Pain or Burning During Urination
Often confused with a urinary tract infection or bladder issue, this discomfort could also be a sign of inflammation caused by cancerous growth in or around the prostate.
5. Blood in Urine or Semen
This alarming symptom may be dismissed as a minor injury or infection, but even the slightest trace of blood can be a red flag for prostate cancer and needs immediate evaluation.
6. Painful Ejaculation
Men may think this is related to stress, infections, or lack of sexual activity, but persistent pain during ejaculation can also stem from malignancy in the prostate or surrounding tissues.
7. Erectile Dysfunction
While often attributed to psychological stress, aging, or lifestyle factors, erectile problems may also arise from nerve or blood vessel damage caused by prostate cancer.
8. Pain in the Lower Back, Hips, or Pelvis
These aches are frequently mistaken for arthritis or muscular strain. However, when prostate cancer spreads (metastasises), it often targets the bones, especially in the lower back and pelvis.
9. Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue
Sudden weight loss and chronic fatigue might be overlooked as signs of stress, poor diet, or aging. However, in many cancer patients, including those with prostate cancer, these are systemic red flags.
10. A Feeling That the Bladder Isn’t Empty Even After Urinating
This sensation may be brushed off as a minor bladder issue, but it could indicate that a growing prostate tumor is blocking the full release of urine.
Prostate cancer symptoms often overlap with other benign conditions, which makes early detection tricky but critical. Men over 50, especially those with a family history of cancer, should monitor their health closely and consult a doctor if they experience any of these symptoms. A simple PSA blood test and prostate exam can help catch the disease early, when treatment is most effective. Don’t wait—listen to your body and take action.
