Are there earlier signs of prostate cancer?
We wish there were earlier signs of prostate cancer, because then perhaps more men might be diagnosed when the disease is still in its early stages. Unfortunately most of the physical warning signs of prostate cancer tend to occur once the disease has already advanced.That being said, some men may experience difficultly urinating, if the tumor presses against the bladder or the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder. Specifically they may:
While these are not earlier symptoms of prostate cancer, as the disease spreads, some men may experience the following:
Because there really are no earlier signs of prostate cancer, the American Urological Association now suggests that all men have a baseline PSA test and digital rectal exam at age 40. Just as women have a baseline mammogram and are followed over the years, now men can be followed to assess their risk of developing prostate cancer. Not every medical organization currently agrees with routine PSA screening (but the consensus may change yet again as new data from clinical studies becomes available). Since the symptoms of prostate cancer are often “silent,” meaning there's an absence of noticeable earlier signs of prostate cancer, PSA screening appears to be the best tool currently available to help determine if your loved one is at risk for the disease. Your loved one should discuss the risks and benefits of PSA screening with his physician. The decision is ultimately up to each individual man. Updated 10/11 Search Our Site  Custom Search Back to prostate cancer questions and answers Return from earlier signs of prostate cancer to homepage References: The American Cancer Society. Prostate Cancer. http://www.cancer.org. Accessed September 1, 2008. National Cancer Institute. Early prostate cancer. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/early-prostate. Accessed June 30, 2009. 
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