Prostate cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers in men, with approximately 1.4 million new cases diagnosed globally each year. Its occurrence rises notably with age, particularly in men over 65 years old. Advanced prostate cancer symptoms emerge once the disease has significantly progressed; these symptoms can severely impact the patient’s quality of life and demand prompt medical evaluation and intervention.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer, a small gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, is one of the most common cancers among men, and the risk of developing it increases with age. When prostate cancer progresses to an advanced stage, it can spread to other areas of the body, such as the bones or internal organs, where the management of the disease becomes significantly complicated. Advanced prostate cancer symptoms can affect the patient’s quality of life. Advanced cancer requires integrated treatment strategies that include hormonal or chemotherapy.
Advanced prostate cancer symptoms
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer vary greatly and can be divided into several categories. Common symptoms include:
Urinary symptoms
Urinary symptoms are some of the most common symptoms of advanced prostate cancer:
- Difficulty urinating: The patient may feel a blockage or have difficulty starting the flow of urine.
- Increased frequency of urination: The patient may need to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
- Poor urine flow: The flow of urine can become weak and intermittent.
- Blood in the urine: Blood may appear in the urine as a result of the cancer’s effect on the tissues.
Sexual symptoms
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can affect sexual function, and symptoms include:
- Erectile dysfunction: The patient may have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Loss of libido: Your libido can be significantly affected.
- Pain during ejaculation: The patient may experience pain during ejaculation due to cancer or its treatments.
Symptoms associated with pain
Patients can experience chronic pain in different areas of the body, such as:
- Pain in the pelvic area: The patient may experience persistent pain or discomfort in the pelvic region.
- Lower back pain: Lower back pain is a common symptom of advanced prostate cancer and is a result of the cancer spreading to the bones.
- Pain in the thighs or legs: Pain can spread to the thighs or legs due to pressure on the nerves.
General symptoms
General symptoms that patients may experience include:
- Unexplained weight loss: The patient may experience significant weight loss without any changes to their diet or physical activity.
- Constant fatigue and exhaustion: The patient may feel very tired even after resting.
- Changes in appetite: Appetite can decrease, leading to weight loss.
Some rare advanced prostate cancer symptoms
Some rare advanced prostate cancer symptoms may occur. These symptoms include:
Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting: Patients may experience nausea and vomiting due to pressure on internal organs or as a result of chemotherapy.
- Constipation or diarrhea: Treatments or the spread of cancer may affect the digestive system, leading to changes in the stool pattern.
Bone symptoms
- Unexplained fractures: Patients may experience bone fractures due to weakened bones and cancer spreading to them
- Bone pain: The pain can be severe and may appear in unexpected areas such as the ribs or arms.
Skin symptoms
- Changes in skin color: Patients may show changes in skin color, such as pigmentation or a rash.
- Abnormal lumps: Lumps may appear under the skin in different areas of the body as a result of the spread of cancer.
Other symptoms
- Confusion and memory loss: Some studies suggest that patients may experience confusion or memory loss due to neurological effects if the cancer spreads to the brain.
- Psychological effects: Some studies have shown that many patients with advanced prostate cancer suffer from psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety, which affect their quality of life significantly.
- Difficulty breathing: Cancer can spread to the lungs, which can lead to difficulty breathing or a persistent cough.
Advanced prostate cancer poses a significant health concern that requires joint efforts from patients and medical professionals. Recognizing advanced prostate cancer symptoms, both common and rare, is essential for ensuring prompt and effective treatment. Gaining insight into these symptoms can help improve patients’ quality of life and facilitate more informed disease management.
Sources:
- Prostate Cancer UK. (n.d.). Advanced prostate cancer. Prostate Cancer UK. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Advanced prostate cancer. UrologyHealth.org. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- Cancer Research UK. (n.d.). Metastatic prostate cancer. Cancer Research UK. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
