What Are the Three Toilet Habits That Could Be Warning Signs for Prostate Cancer?

You are your own best health advocate, and it’s critical that you speak with a medical professional if something seems unusual or feels off.

Approximately 268,490 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year. Here are some habits and symptoms that may indicate the presence of this type of cancer. Early detection of most cancers can, in some cases, mean broader treatment options and a better prognosis.

Toilet Habits that Could Indicate Prostate Cancer

1. Needing to Pee More Frequently

If you find yourself needing to urinate more than usual, this may be a sign of prostate cancer. It could also be the result of increased liquid intake. But if you don’t think that it’s the result of more fluids, speak with your doctor to get checked out.

2. Feeling Like You Haven’t Emptied Your Bladder

If, when you use the restroom, you feel as though you haven’t fully emptied your bladder, this could be a reason for concern as it may be a sign as well.

3. Straining to Start Your Flow

If it’s difficult for you to begin urinating, or you feel you need to “strain” to start your flow of urine, this may also be a sign of prostate cancer.

If you experience any of these symptoms or a mixture of them, speak with your doctor to get a PSA test. These signs can be warning signs indicating the presence of this cancer.

Adjusting to Your New Normal After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Prostate Cancer Detection & Screening

This type of cancer is typically detected via prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. This screening test measures PSA in the blood, which may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. For men with an average risk of prostate cancer, it's advised by the American Cancer Society (ACS) to begin screening at 50 for the disease; men with an elevated risk of developing prostate cancer should start screening at 45.

Dr. James Brooks, a urologic oncologist at Stanford Medicine, says in an earlier interview that this is a slow-growing cancer. "Prostate cancer, even when aggressive, is typically slow-growing," he says. "So the possibility that it could become fatal past the age of 70 is quite low. Still, whether you continue to screen past age 70 is completely up to you and your doctor. In prostate cancer, there are sometimes differing viewpoints and this is one of those times."

"However, if you are at high-risk (meaning you have a family history or are African-American) many doctors say you should have an initial screening well before 50some recommend starting at age 40because the risk is about two to three times higher than average," says Dr. Brooks.

When Should I Get Tested for Prostate Cancer?

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