This page gives only an overview of this topic. For more information see the links at the bottom of this page.

The prostate is located at the base of the bladder and surrounds the tube carrying urine (urethra) from the bladder to the outside.

In its early stages, prostate cancer does not normally cause symptoms. This is because most prostate cancers grow in the outer part of the prostate gland and do not affect the flow of urine through the urethra .

As it grows larger, however, it may cause urinary symptoms such as weak urinary stream, frequent urination, urgent urination, difficulty starting urination, pain or burning with urination.

Other symptoms include dull pain in the lower pelvic area, persistent pain in the lower back, abdomen, hip, or pelvis, blood in the urine or ejaculate, loss of appetite and weight. These symptoms occur with advanced prostate cancer.

All of these symptoms can have other causes such as benign prostate enlargement, prostatitis, infection and other health conditions. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about prostate cancer.

Links:

Mayo Clinic:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-cancer/DS00043

American Urological Society:

http://www.urologyhealth.org/adult/index.cfm?cat=09&topic=39&x=18&y=16

Andrology Australia:

http://www.andrologyaustralia.org/pageContent.asp?pageCode=URINARYSYMPTOMS

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