Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. This kind of cancer usually develops gradually and is curtailed to the prostate gland in the early stages. While the cancer is confined to the gland, it does not cause any severe harm. In most cases, there are also no symptoms or signs early on. However, symptoms show up when cancer progresses. This article discusses five signs and symptoms of prostate cancer.

1. Urinary problems
Urinary problems are one of the most common signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. This is possibly because the prostate envelopes the urethra and lies below the bladder. Because of its location, whenever there is a tumor growth, it presses on the urethra and bladder and leads to urinary problems, such as frequent urge to pee, a slower urine stream, or hematuria, that is, blood in the urine. 

2. Blood in urine or semen
Blood in the semen or urine is alarming. As a result of cancer, a tumor develops in the prostate gland. When the tumor gets bigger, it puts pressure on the urethra, blood vessels, and the glands surrounding it, clogging the entire structure. This can lead to the presence of blood in semen or urine. Even while one may be undergoing cancer treatment, they may find some blood in the semen or urine. 

3. Erectile dysfunction
Many men with prostate cancer also experience a few sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction or impotence. Because of this condition, it gets hard to get an erection. Thus, whenever one experiences a new onset of erectile dysfunction, they must immediately intimate a healthcare professional about it. However, erectile dysfunction can be caused by many benign conditions, which may not even be as severe as prostate cancer. It is one symptom that one can easily detect at home. Another related early prostate cancer symptom is painful ejaculation.  

4. Body pain or any other discomfort
When the prostate gets bigger, it can lead to some pain or discomfort while one sits down. If cancer travels beyond the prostate gland, it causes pain in the hips or back or swelling in the lower back. 

5. Numbness and weakness
One significant symptom of prostate cancer is numbness and weakness in the legs or feet. This happens when cancer spreads and the tumor grows, putting pressure on the spinal cord. It is essential to know that this is a severe sign of prostate cancer and is usually not something one experiences in the early stage. It is an advanced prostate cancer symptom, which can lead to loss of bowel or bladder control.