Cancer guide

Prostate cancer

By Cura Editorial Team ·

Usually silent in its early stages — most cases are found by PSA testing, and many are slow enough that active surveillance is the right first step.

What to know first

  • PSA testing decisions typically begin between ages 45–55.
  • Gleason score and MRI shape whether to watch or treat.
  • Active surveillance is a legitimate option for many low-risk cancers.

When to see a doctor

  • New urinary symptoms — hesitancy, weak stream, waking to urinate
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Bone pain, especially in the back or hips

Frequently asked questions

What are the early warning signs of prostate cancer?

The signs that most often lead to a prostate cancer diagnosis are: new urinary symptoms — hesitancy, weak stream, waking to urinate; blood in urine or semen; bone pain, especially in the back or hips. Any of these lasting more than a couple of weeks is worth a same-week appointment, even though most turn out to be something else.

When should I see a doctor about possible prostate cancer?

See a doctor promptly if a symptom is new, persistent, or getting worse rather than better. Describe when it started, how often it happens, and what makes it better or worse — that detail is what decides whether you get imaging or testing at the first visit.

What should I know first about prostate cancer?

Usually silent in its early stages — most cases are found by PSA testing, and many are slow enough that active surveillance is the right first step. PSA testing decisions typically begin between ages 45–55. Gleason score and MRI shape whether to watch or treat. Active surveillance is a legitimate option for many low-risk cancers.

What questions should I ask after a prostate cancer diagnosis?

Ask what the exact diagnosis is and how it is staged, what the treatment options are and in what order they would happen, what the goal of treatment is, which side effects to expect, and whether a second opinion or clinical trial makes sense for your situation.

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