• Genes and health
• Conditions we cover
• Prostate Cancer
• Complete scan
• Cancer scan
• Cardio scan
• Advanced features

In most cases, prostate cancer does not initially cause symptoms.

By the time symptoms occur, the disease may have spread beyond the prostate.

Catching prostate cancer early is key to successful treatment

Assess your risk of prostate cancer before symptoms arise – deCODEme provides a personalized risk assessment for prostate cancer

In early stages, prostate cancer is usually without any symptoms

Prostate cancer usually doesn’t produce any noticeable symptoms in its early stages which is why many cases of prostate cancer aren’t detected until the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. In early stages of prostate cancer, while the tumors are enclosed within the prostate, the disease, however, is often curable with cure rates of 90% or more. This is why it is so important for men to assess their overall risk of prostate cancer before symptoms arise, and if at increased risk, to plan with their doctors an appropriate strategy for monitoring changes in the prostate that may warrant closer inspection.

Since family history is such a strong risk factor for prostate cancer, knowing your genetic risk for prostate cancer is an important part of assessing your overall risk.

Most men experience some symptoms of prostate enlargement with increasing age

Prostate enlargement happens to almost all men as they get older. As the prostate grows, it can press on the urethra and cause urination and bladder problems. The cause of this type of prostate enlargement is unknown, although it is believed that factors linked to aging and male hormones play a role.

The symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, and the first signs of prostate cancer can be similar and may involve one, or a combination of the following:

• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination

With more advanced prostate cancer symptoms may include:

• Difficulty in having an erection
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
• Loss of bladder or bowel control

A man with prostate cancer may not have any of the above symptoms, and having these symptoms does not mean you have prostate cancer. The benign form of prostate enlargement (Benign Prostate Hypertrophy or BPH), an infection, or another health problem may cause similar symptoms. If you do have any of these symptoms however, you should contact your doctor so that the underlying health problem can be diagnosed and treated appropriately.

Less than half of all men diagnosed had previous symptoms of prostate cancer

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer vary from one man to another, with only about half of men experiencing any difficulties before diagnosis. Most men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, were diagnosed on the basis of routine exams of the prostate at their doctor´s office, prior to experiencing any symptoms.

The deCODEme genetic test for prostate cancer analyzes your DNA and provides you with a personal risk assessment for prostate cancer. Knowing your risk may empower you to take preventive action and alert you to possible prostate cancer symptoms sooner. See what your genetic test results could look like.

This content was last reviewed on February 09, 2010.

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