How to Know About Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer can be detected through symptoms like urinary issues, PSA tests, biopsies, and imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Best Urologist Doctor
Updated: 18 February, 2025
Prostate

How to know about prostate cancer is a question many men are asking, and it’s crucial to understand how this disease can affect your health. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and its early detection can make all the difference in the effectiveness of treatments. If you’re wondering how to know prostate cancer, this blog will guide you through everything you need to know from symptoms and risk factors to diagnostic tests that can help confirm whether you have the disease.

Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

how to know about prostate cancer Recognizing the early signs of prostate cancer is essential for seeking timely treatment. What to know about prostate cancer often starts with paying attention to changes in your health. Some of the common symptoms include:

Frequent Urination
Especially at night. An increased urge to urinate can be one of the first signs of prostate cancer.
Difficulty Starting Urination
Struggling to start urination. This can be a sign that the prostate is enlarged or blocked.
Pain During Urination
Burning or discomfort while urinating. A symptom that should never be ignored.
Pain in the Lower Back or Pelvis
Persistent discomfort. Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis can indicate that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.

If you are wondering what to know about prostate cancer it is essential to talk to your doctor. Early diagnosis increases the chances of effective treatment.

To Know about Prostate Cancer

Once symptoms are identified, the next step is to undergo tests that can confirm whether prostate cancer is present. Here are the most common diagnostic tests used to detect prostate cancer and how to know about prostate cancer through these methods:

PSA Blood Test

The PSA blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and elevated levels can be a sign of prostate cancer.
However, high PSA levels can also indicate other non-cancerous conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis. It is crucial to combine the PSA test with other tests for a more accurate diagnosis.
The PSA test is an essential first step in understanding how to know about prostate cancer and whether further testing is needed.

Prostate Biopsy

If your PSA levels are high, your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy. A biopsy involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate to check for the presence of cancer cells.
This procedure is typically done with the help of a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) to guide the needle precisely to the area of concern.
A biopsy is one of the most definitive ways to know about prostate cancer and determine whether cancer cells are present in the prostate.

Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)

A TRUS is used during a biopsy to get a better look at the prostate. It involves inserting a small ultrasound probe into the rectum to create images of the prostate.
These images help doctors identify abnormal areas that may need a biopsy. TRUS can also be used to guide the biopsy needle to ensure it targets the correct area.
While TRUS is not used alone to diagnose prostate cancer, it plays a vital role in how to know about prostate cancer when combined with other diagnostic tests.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

An MRI provides detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissues. It is particularly useful for determining the size and location of a tumor and checking whether the cancer has spread to nearby tissues.
This non-invasive procedure can help doctors plan the best course of treatment if prostate cancer is detected.
For men with suspected prostate cancer, an MRI can give a clearer picture of the disease and help answer how to know if prostate cancer is present.

Lymph Node Biopsy

A lymph node biopsy may be recommended if there is concern that prostate cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This biopsy helps doctors determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread beyond the prostate.
Removing tissue from nearby lymph nodes can confirm if the cancer has spread, providing important information about the stage of the disease.

CT Scan

A CT scan creates detailed images of the body and can help doctors look for signs that prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes.
CT scans are commonly used in advanced prostate cancer cases to understand the cancer’s spread and guide treatment decisions.
Although a CT scan can provide important insights, it is not the primary tool for how to know about prostate cancer and is often used after other tests have been performed.

Bone Scan

Prostate cancer can spread to the bones, and a bone scan is used to detect this. During a bone scan, a small amount of radioactive material is injected into your bloodstream to highlight areas of abnormal bone growth.
Bone scans are typically used when prostate cancer is suspected to have spread to the bones, helping doctors assess the extent of the cancer.

PET Scan

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans can help identify cancer cells throughout the body by detecting areas where the body absorbs glucose differently. PET scans are often used to assess the spread of cancer and help doctors plan treatment.
While not typically used for initial prostate cancer diagnosis, PET scans can be valuable in staging the disease and determining the most effective treatment options.

How to Check Prostate Cancer

While there is no reliable home test for diagnosing prostate cancer, staying aware of changes in your health is essential. How to check prostate cancer yourself involves monitoring certain symptoms that could indicate the presence of the disease. These include: Frequent Urination, Pain During Urination, and Pelvic Discomfort. While you can observe these changes yourself, it’s important to remember that only a healthcare professional can confirm a diagnosis. How to check prostate cancer yourself involves recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice early.

How to Know the Presence of Prostate Cancer

If you’re wondering how to know if prostate cancer is present, the most reliable method is through medical tests. Home tests are not sufficient to diagnose the disease. A PSA test, followed by a biopsy if needed, is the most accurate way to know about prostate cancer. While symptoms can be an indicator, only through medical evaluation can you receive a confirmed diagnosis. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen consult a healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your health.

Conclusion

How to know about prostate cancer is a question that many men should take seriously. Regular check-ups, awareness of symptoms, and diagnostic tests like the PSA test, prostate biopsy, and MRI are essential for early detection. If you notice any changes in your urinary habits or experience discomfort in the pelvic area, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and regular screenings are crucial for men over the age of 50.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stage 1 prostate cancer means the cancer is still confined to the prostate gland and is typically undetectable by physical examination. It is often found through a PSA test, and patients may not experience symptoms. Treatment options can include active surveillance, surgery, or other localized treatments, depending on the specifics of each case.

The 5 early signs of prostate cancer include frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, pain during urination, blood in the urine, and pelvic pain. These symptoms could indicate prostate issues, requiring further testing to rule out cancer or other conditions. If you notice any of these, consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

While there is no self-test for prostate cancer, being aware of symptoms such as changes in urination patterns or pelvic discomfort is important. Men should have regular PSA screenings after age 50, or earlier if there’s a family history of prostate cancer. Early detection is key, so routine check-ups with a doctor are essential.

Prostate cancer can often be cured if detected early. Many men live for many years after treatment, especially when the cancer is localized. However, in more advanced stages, ongoing treatment or management may be needed to keep the cancer under control. Timely diagnosis and treatment significantly improve the chances of long-term survival.