Diagnosing Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland. Most cases develop slowly, making them easier to detect and treat. However, some prostate cancers grow and spread quickly.

The best way to stay on top of your prostate health is to have regular checkups and screenings. For personal care to diagnose symptoms of prostate cancer in the Bay Area, Find a Doctor at Dignity Health.

Signs of Prostate Cancer

The signs and symptoms of prostate cancer don’t appear until later in the disease. In advanced stages, symptoms may include:

  • Weak or stop-and-start urine stream
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Pain or burning with urination
  • Difficulty starting to urinate or not being able to urinate
  • Frequent urination, especially during the night
  • Urgent urination
  • Erection problems

You can also have these symptoms if you have an enlarged prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Your doctor can pinpoint the exact cause of these symptoms.

Complete cancer testing services are available at our four Bay Area locations: 

Our hospitals provides state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging services for the prevention and detection of all types of cancers. We also offer a range of support services and groups.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis at Dignity Health

Signs of prostate cancer are often discovered through screening tests. One type is a digital rectal exam (DRE), during which your doctor examines your prostate gland. Another is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is a blood test.

If your test results suggest cancer, your doctor may order a prostate biopsy to get a tissue sample and evaluate it for abnormal changes. You may also have imaging exams. Trust the caring doctors at Dignity Health to explain each test to you and help you understand the results and what they mean treatment. 

Visit a Dignity Health hospital in the Bay Area for cancer screenings, including those to confirm prostate cancer symptoms, in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.