Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide, yet it remains one of the least spoken about. The main reason is that most men ignore early warning signs because they seem minor, embarrassing or easily explained by age, even though the reality is that prostate cancer often develops silently. Read on to discover the 5 early warning signs of prostate cancer all men should know.

The Importance of Early Intervention in Men

Prostate cancer symptoms often appear subtly at first until they’re hard to ignore. This is why early detection can be lifesaving, as it improves treatment outcomes, reduces the need for invasive procedures, and even makes the difference between life-threatening interventions and manageable care. When you understand the importance of early detection, you can significantly  increase the curability rate.

5 Early Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer All Men Should Know

1. Changes in Urination Patterns

One of the earliest signs of prostate cancer is a noticeable change in urination. Since the prostate surrounds part of the urethra, it means that when the gland enlarges, whether it’s caused by cancer or benign conditions, it puts pressure on the urinary tract. It’s easy to dismiss urinary concerns as a sign of ageing or a side effect of drinking too much water before bedtime.

However, a persistent change in your regular urinary habits requires medical attention. Even if these changes can be attributed to conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or infections, you can only determine the cause through a professional evaluation and consultation with your doctor. These are common early urinary changes to consider:

• A weak or interrupted urine stream.
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination.
• Feeling that the bladder hasn’t completely emptied.
• Straining or pushing to urinate.
• Increased frequency, especially at night.

2. Pain or Discomfort in the Pelvic Area

Although prostate cancer is often painless in its early stages, there are instances where some men report minor discomfort that builds up to consistent pain quietly over time. Even though this pain might not feel severe, it can resemble a dull ache, persistent pressure or a sense of heaviness in the lower body. It can be easy to dismiss it as muscle strain if you’re active or spend long hours sitting at work.

Pelvic discomfort associated with an enlarging prostate doesn’t improve after a few days of stretching, rest or using over-the-counter pain relief and usually requires medical attention. Since the prostate is located deep within the pelvis, if there’s any sign of inflammation or tumour growth, nearby tissues can become irritated long before noticeable symptoms appear in other parts of the body, such as:

• The lower back.
• The hips or upper thighs.
• The pelvic region.
• The rectal area.

3. Blood in Urine or Semen

Seeing blood in your urine (Haematuria) or semen (Haematospermia), whether pink, red, or brownish, is considered an alarming sign, which you should mention to your doctor. Any presence of blood should never be ignored because it could mean that there’s an infection, kidney stones or trauma which isn’t related to prostate cancer. Moreover, prostate cancer affects blood vessels located in and around the prostate gland.

Bleeding can mean:

• You are in the early or intermediate stages.
• It can be intermittent, disappearing for weeks or months.
• There’s irritation or disruption of the prostate tissue.

4. Erectile Dysfunction or Painful Ejaculation

Sexual health changes are another early sign that most men rarely associate with prostate cancer. However, sexual performance is a sensitive topic for many, and these symptoms end up being ignored or hidden, with hopes that they will resolve on their own. Even though erectile dysfunction stems from various causes such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or stress, it can still overlap with prostate disorders.

The main reason why sexual health changes are linked to prostate cancer is that the prostate plays a significant role in semen production and ejaculation. As a result, an inflamed, enlarged or structurally compromised prostate gland can impact sexual function. These are key symptoms to look out for:

• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
• Reduced sexual desire or performance.
• Pain or burning during ejaculation.
• A noticeable decrease in semen flow.

5. Unexplained Weight Loss, Fatigue or Weakness

These warning signs are not specific to prostate cancer, making it harder to determine the cause. The rule of thumb is that when they appear, it signals that your body is under strain and may be fighting inflammation, infection, and systemic changes caused by possible tumour growth. It may be easy to overlook them, but seek immediate medical attention if you notice:

• Sudden or unexplained weight loss.
• Persistent fatigue despite adequate rest.
• Loss of appetite.
• Chronic weakness that doesn’t improve.

When to See a Doctor

It’s easy to rationalise away the early signs of prostate cancer, especially when symptoms feel mild or inconsistent. However, the sooner prostate cancer is detected, the more effective treatment options are, making it more manageable. Seeing a doctor is recommended in cases where you:

• Experience persistent urinary problems.
• Notice blood in your urine or semen.
• Have unexplained pelvic discomfort.
• Experience new or worsening sexual health issues.
• Notice fatigue or weight changes without reason.
• Are a man over 50, where annual screenings are recommended.
• For those with a family history of prostate cancer, starting earlier, around age 45, is advised.

Prostate cancer doesn’t always show itself with severe symptoms. More often, you will notice minor changes affecting your overall well-being, subtle discomforts and unusual disruptions to your body that come and go. Ignoring these early signs can give the disease time to progress quietly, but by signing up for an Affinity Health Day-to Day or Combined plan you have access to GP and specialist consultations to help you take control of your health through early detection and successful treatment outcomes.