MBBS, MRCS(EDIN), MMED(SURG), FRCS(UROL) (RCPSG), FAMS(UROL)
BSC(Monash), MBBS(NSW), FRCS(Glasgow), FRACS, MMED(Surgery), FAMS(Urol)
Men should consider getting checked for prostate cancer if they notice persistent urinary symptoms, pelvic discomfort or other unexplained changes that could point to a prostate problem. These early signs are important, as by the time prostate cancer begins causing noticeable symptoms, it may have already grown beyond the early stages.
This early examination is particularly important if you have one or more risk factors for prostate cancer, including:
- Being over the age of 50
- Having a direct or close relative with prostate cancer
- Inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- A personal history of elevated PSA levels or prostate abnormalities
- Obesity and certain lifestyle-related health factors
Key Takeaways
- Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why screening discussions matter.
- Men aged 50+ should typically discuss prostate checks with a doctor, while higher-risk men may need earlier screening.
- Urinary changes, pelvic pain and sexual health symptoms can sometimes indicate prostate issues.
- Family history, age, ethnicity and genetics all influence prostate cancer risk.
- Many prostate symptoms are caused by non-cancerous conditions, so proper medical evaluation is important.
What Are the Earliest Signs of Prostate Cancer?
Many of the earliest signs of prostate cancer are related to the urinary system. They include:
Frequent Urination
Needing to urinate more often than usual, particularly during the night, can be an early sign of changes affecting the prostate.
Difficulty Urinating
A weak urine stream, trouble starting urination or difficulty fully emptying the bladder may indicate pressure on the urinary tract caused by prostate enlargement or tumour growth.
Blood in Urine or Semen
Visible blood in the urine or semen can be a warning sign of prostate abnormalities and should be medically assessed.
Erectile Dysfunction
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection can sometimes occur alongside other symptoms linked to prostate cancer.
Back, Hip or Pelvic Pain
Persistent pain in the lower back, hips or pelvic area may suggest that prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.
Can You Have Prostate Cancer Without Symptoms?
Early prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms at all. This disease develops silently, meaning many men experience no noticeable symptoms during the initial stages of cancer. Unlike more aggressive cancers that quickly cause pain or visible physical changes, prostate cancer commonly grows slowly within the prostate gland over a period of years.
In the early stages, tumours are often too small to interfere with nearby structures such as the urethra, bladder or surrounding nerves. As a result, urination, sexual function and everyday comfort may remain completely normal even while cancer is present.
Another reason early prostate cancer frequently goes unnoticed is that symptoms tend to develop gradually rather than suddenly. Mild urinary changes, such as needing to urinate more often or a weaker urine stream, can slowly become more noticeable over time and are often mistaken for normal ageing.
Symptoms may not appear until the cancer has already grown larger or spread beyond the prostate, and as such, many cases are first detected through routine PSA blood testing or prostate examinations before obvious warning signs develop.
What Should You Do if You Notice Possible Symptoms?
If you notice persistent urinary changes, blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, or ongoing pelvic, hip or back pain, you should arrange a medical evaluation as soon as possible. Men with multiple risk factors should be especially proactive about seeking medical advice, even if symptoms appear mild. Early assessment can help identify whether symptoms are linked to prostate cancer or another prostate condition.
Seeing a doctor is important because prostate symptoms alone cannot confirm whether cancer is present. A medical evaluation can help determine the underlying cause and provide clearer, more conclusive answers about what is happening.
Depending on your symptoms, age and risk factors, a doctor may recommend:
- A PSA blood test to measure prostate-specific antigen levels
- A digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for abnormalities in the prostate
- MRI imaging to identify suspicious areas within the prostate
- A prostate biopsy to confirm whether cancer cells are present
These tests help doctors distinguish between prostate cancer and other prostate conditions, while also determining whether any cancer found is slow-growing, aggressive or already advanced.
How Can Early Detection Improve Prostate Cancer Survival Rates?
The survival difference between early-stage and advanced prostate cancer is significant. Studies show that men diagnosed with prostate cancer in its early stages have a 5-year survival rate of more than 99%. However, once the cancer spreads to distant parts of the body, such as the bones or other organs, the estimated 5-year survival rate drops to roughly 37%.
This highlights the significant survival advantage associated with detecting prostate cancer in its early stages before it spreads. Early diagnosis may also give patients more options. When prostate cancer is found earlier, doctors have a better chance of choosing a treatment plan before the disease limits those options.
Seeking Out a Urologist for a Timely Prostate Screening
A timely evaluation by an experienced urologist can make a major difference in survival and treatment outcomes. This is why men over 50, along with those who have a family history of prostate cancer or other major risk factors, should not wait for severe symptoms before speaking with a doctor. Early medical evaluation and screening can help detect prostate cancer sooner, when treatment is often more effective and long-term survival rates are significantly higher.
At Tan Urology, our urology clinic in Singapore, patients receive personalised assessment and evidence-based care tailored to their symptoms, risk factors and overall prostate health. Care is led by Consultant Urologist Dr Lincoln Tan, who provides careful evaluation and management for patients experiencing possible signs of prostate cancer, helping guide them through appropriate screening, investigations and treatment options where necessary.
If you are concerned about urinary changes, pelvic discomfort, elevated prostate cancer risk or other possible prostate cancer symptoms, contact us today to receive clear communication, timely diagnosis and individualised treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Prostate Cancer
Is prostate screening painful?
Most prostate screening tests are quick and cause minimal discomfort. A PSA test only requires a standard blood sample, while a digital rectal exam (DRE) typically takes less than a minute. Some men may feel temporary discomfort or pressure during the examination, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.
Can younger men get prostate cancer?
Yes, although prostate cancer is more common in older men, younger men can still develop the disease. Risk may be higher in men with a strong family history of prostate cancer or inherited genetic mutations. Younger men who experience persistent prostate-related symptoms should still seek medical evaluation.
Do men without symptoms still need to get tested?
It is recommended to get tested for prostate cancer if you are affected by any of the risk factors. Screening discussions are especially important for men over 50, as testing may help detect prostate cancer before symptoms appear.
Can an enlarged prostate develop into cancer?
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is not the same as prostate cancer and does not directly turn into cancer. However, both conditions can cause similar urinary symptoms, which is why telling them apart with a medical assessment is important when symptoms develop.
Meet Our Urologists
Dr Lincoln Tan
MBBS, MRCS(Edin), MMED(Surg), FRCS(Urol)(RCPSG), FAMS(Urol)
Dr Lincoln Tan is experienced in managing a wide range of urological conditions, with particular expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery. He is actively involved in advancing evidence-based approaches to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making. As principal investigator in the first local study validating the Prostate Health Index for cancer risk assessment, he has contributed to reducing unnecessary biopsies and has been among the clinical leads introducing freehand, office-based transperineal biopsies in Singapore. Dr Tan is committed to comprehensive, patient-centred urological care.
Dr Robert Tan Tin Kiat
BSC(Monash), MBBS(NSW), FRCS(Glasgow), FRACS, MMED(Surgery), FAMS(Urol)
Dr Robert Tan has over 35 years of experience in the diagnosis and management of a wide range of urological conditions. As one of the first urologists in Singapore to perform transurethral resection of the prostate, he has played a key role in advancing minimally invasive urological care. A founding member of the Singapore Urological Association, Dr Tan is also a local pioneer in non-invasive urinary stone treatment, including extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. His practice emphasises careful assessment and personalised care supported by appropriate medical technology.