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Early Warning Signs of Stage 1 Prostate Cancer

Recognizing Symptoms of Prostate Cancer in Its Early Stages

When to See a Doctor for Stage 1 Prostate Cancer

The prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ in the male reproductive system, sits beneath the bladder and encircles the urethra.

It plays a crucial role in male reproduction by producing fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells within the prostate multiply uncontrollably.

In its earliest stage (Stage I), the cancer remains confined to the prostate itself.

Stage 1 prostate cancer symptoms may include: difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood in the urine, pelvic pain, and changes in ejaculation.

Left untreated, prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body, potentially leading to more serious health consequences.

Early Warning Signs of Stage 1 Prostate Cancer

Stage 1 prostate cancer symptoms and signs may include:

Frequent urination, especially at night.
Difficulty starting or stopping urination.
Weak urine flow.
Blood in urine or semen.
Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation.
Painful ejaculation.
Unexplained pain around the prostate while sitting.
Sudden erectile dysfunction.
Pelvic pain.
Bone pain. (Urology Care Foundation, n.d.)

Recognizing Symptoms of Prostate Cancer in Its Early Stages

Prostate cancer usually does not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages, but there are some signs that can be described as follows:

Problems with urination:

The need to urinate frequently, especially at night.
Difficulty starting and ending urination.
Weak urine flow.

Pain or burning sensation:

Pain or burning sensation when urinating.
Pain or burning sensation when ejaculating.
Pain in the lower pelvis.
Bone pain.

Bleeding:

Hematuria.
Blood in the semen.

Other symptoms:

Erectile dysfunction, difficulty getting and maintaining an erection.
Loss of appetite, followed by weight loss.
Fatigue.

If you experience these symptoms, you should contact your doctor and conduct the necessary medical tests such as a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal examination (DRE). (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.)

When to See a Doctor for Stage 1 Prostate Cancer

You should visit your doctor if you have stage 1 prostate cancer symptoms, which include:

Feeling that you have difficulty urinating, whether starting or finishing urination, or if urination is intermittent.
Noticing blood in your urine or semen.
Feeling a burning sensation during urination or ejaculation.
If there is a weak urine flow during urination.
If you suffer from pain in the lower pelvis, or feel discomfort in that area, especially while sitting.
If you suffer from back, hip, or upper thigh pain.
Unwanted weight loss is one of the signs that require consulting your doctor.
Fever is one of the health problems that require seeking medical help.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Prostate cancer is diagnosed through the following tests:

Blood test to measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
Digital rectal exam (DRE) to look for any abnormalities.

If the test results are abnormal, a biopsy of the prostate is taken for Histopathology examination.

Stage 1 prostate cancer treatment

If you have stage 1 prostate cancer symptoms and the disease is diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe the following treatments:

Active surveillance, where the disease progression is monitored and intervention is made when necessary. Hormonal therapy may also be prescribed at this stage.
If the first option is not suitable, your doctor may prescribe Radical prostatectomy.
Radiation therapy may be prescribed as an alternative to surgery, either by directing radiation from outside the body, or by implanting radioactive seeds inside the tumor.