Reg. Charity No. 1129395
PROSTATE CANCER
SYMPTOMS - WHAT SYMPTOMS?
Possible symptoms of prostate disease- BPH*, Prostatitis* or Cancer*.
Difficulty in starting to urinate
Straining in order to continue urination
Taking longer to empty the bladder
A feeling that the bladder has not been emptied
Intermittent flow
Difficulty in stopping urination
Dribbling after urination
Inability to urinate at all
More frequent urination, day and night- sleep disruption
Urgency, inability to postpone urination/incontinence
Problems achieving or keeping an erection
Blood in the urine/semen
Pain, burning sensation during urination
Pain/discomfort when ejaculating, delayed ejaculation, reduced ejaculate
(semen)
Unexplained pain in the back, hips or pelvis
Pain in the perineum/testicles
BUT REMEMBER - PROSTATE CANCER IS OFTEN “SILENT”
WITH NO SYMPTOMS FOR MONTHS OR YEARS.
THE PROSTATE.
The prostate is made up of several zones including:
Transitional Zone
Peripheral Zone
The Peripheral Zone
Most cancer occurs in this area and grows outwards, often with no symptoms,
particularly in the early stages (localised prostate cancer) when prostate
cancer can be more easily treated and cured. Screening using the PSA
(prostate specific antigen) test is an important tool, along with a DRE (digital
rectal examination) in diagnosing symptomless men who are unaware that they
have prostate cancer.
The Transitional Zone
This is a much smaller area at the centre of the prostate adjacent to and
surrounding the urethra. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)* - non-cancerous
growth of the prostate, occurs here and grows inwards constricting the
urethra. Men displaying symptoms of prostate disease are therefore more
likely to be suffering from BPH, Prostatitis* (inflamed prostate), or locally
advanced or advanced prostate cancer which is harder to treat].
*Prostatitis is more likely to occur in men aged 30-50
*Prostate cancer is more likely to occur in men over 50
*Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is more likely to occur in men over 60
Produced by and for the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group June 2009:
Confidential Helplines- 01559 363 154 and 01834 831442