Key points
- Different people have different symptoms for prostate cancer.
- Most men do not have symptoms at all.
- If you have signs or symptoms, see your doctor.
Possible signs and symptoms of prostate cancer
Most prostate cancers do not cause symptoms early on. If you have any of the following symptoms, be sure to see your doctor right away:
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
- Urinating often, especially at night.
- Trouble emptying the bladder completely.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away.
- Painful ejaculation.
Keep in mind that these symptoms may be caused by prostate changes or conditions that are not cancer, such as an enlarged prostate.
Your doctor may recommend that you get screened for prostate cancer. Before being screened, learn about the possible benefits and risks of screening.
More information
- Understanding Prostate Changes and Conditions (National Cancer Institute)
- Prostate Cancer Symptoms, Tests and Treatments (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
- What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer? (ZERO Prostate Cancer)
Content Source
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Division of Cancer Prevention and Control
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: September 1, 2026
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
Reviewed: September 1, 2026
The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.