{"id":474,"date":"2026-09-02T14:06:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-02T21:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/?p=474"},"modified":"2026-09-02T14:06:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T21:06:23","slug":"prostate-cancer-symptoms-detection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/cancer\/prostate-cancer\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-detection\/","title":{"rendered":"Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Detection: What Men Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-detection-hero.webp?resize=1024%2C576&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Patient and clinician review a prostate MRI with a blood tube and pathology slides nearby\" class=\"wp-image-4100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-detection-hero.webp?resize=1024%2C576&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-detection-hero.webp?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-detection-hero.webp?resize=768%2C432&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-detection-hero.webp?resize=1536%2C864&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-detection-hero.webp?w=1600&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">PSA, MRI, biopsy, and pathology contribute different information to prostate-cancer detection. Early disease may be silent, and no single result completes the pathway.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Direct answer:<\/strong> Early localized prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When urinary, sexual, pelvic, or bone symptoms occur, they are not specific and frequently have noncancerous causes. Prostate cancer detection may begin with an informed PSA screening decision in someone without symptoms or with evaluation of a symptom or examination finding. PSA and a digital rectal examination can change the level of concern, but neither diagnoses cancer. A clinician may confirm PSA, use a risk calculator or selected biomarker, obtain prostate MRI, and consider biopsy. When a definitive diagnosis is needed, tissue examined by a pathologist is the deciding evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Part of the Ulta Lab Tests Knowledge Center<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For PSA preparation, levels, temporary influences, repeat testing, and general follow-up, use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/cancer\/prostate-cancer\/psa-levels-explained\/\">PSA Levels Explained: Results, Causes and Next Steps<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Review <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/lab-testing-knowledge-center\/complete-guide-to-lab-tests-and-blood-work\/\">The Complete Guide to Lab Tests and Blood Work<\/a> for the distinction among screening, diagnostic support, and monitoring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/mens-health\/mens-health-blood-tests\/\">Men\u2019s Health Blood Tests pillar<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/cancer\/cancer-blood-tests-and-tumor-markers-uses-limitations-and-follow-upcancer-blood-tests-tumor-markers\/\">Cancer Blood Tests and Tumor Markers pillar<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Early prostate cancer commonly causes no symptoms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Urinary symptoms are more often explained by noncancerous conditions and cannot confirm or exclude cancer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Screening people without symptoms is different from evaluating symptoms or monitoring diagnosed cancer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>PSA, examination, risk calculators, biomarkers, and MRI estimate or refine risk; none independently establishes a cancer diagnosis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biopsy provides tissue for pathology when definitive diagnosis is required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Screening can lead to false-positive results, biopsy harms, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment as well as potential benefit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, complete urinary retention, heavy bleeding, severe pain, or systemic illness needs prompt evaluation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Prostate Cancer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prostate cancer begins when cells in prostate tissue grow abnormally. Some cancers grow so slowly that they may never threaten health; others can grow or spread more quickly. \u201cDetection\u201d is therefore not only about finding any abnormal cell. It is about assessing the chance of clinically significant cancer while limiting unnecessary procedures and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PSA level, biopsy Grade Group, tumor extent, imaging, and other clinical findings contribute different information. PSA alone cannot determine grade, stage, or risk group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Early Prostate Cancer May Have No Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small, localized tumors may not obstruct the urethra or affect nearby structures. Many cancers are first suspected through screening rather than symptoms. A person can therefore have clinically important prostate cancer without urinary changes, while another person can have severe urinary symptoms from BPH or another benign condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why \u201cno symptoms\u201d is not the same as \u201cno risk,\u201d and \u201curinary symptoms\u201d is not the same as \u201cearly prostate cancer.\u201d Screening still requires an informed, preference-sensitive decision rather than automatic testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-early-disease-silent.webp?resize=1024%2C576&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Two-panel explanation that early prostate cancer may be silent and symptoms are nonspecific\" class=\"wp-image-4109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-early-disease-silent.webp?resize=1024%2C576&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-early-disease-silent.webp?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-early-disease-silent.webp?resize=768%2C432&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-early-disease-silent.webp?resize=1536%2C864&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-early-disease-silent.webp?w=1600&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Screening decisions are individualized by age, risk factors, health status, and personal preferences.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible Symptoms and What Else They May Mean<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Symptom or presentation<\/th><th>Possible cancer context<\/th><th>Common noncancerous alternatives<\/th><th>Next type of evaluation<\/th><th>Urgency<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Weak stream, hesitancy, frequency, urgency, or nocturia<\/td><td>Local growth can sometimes affect urination, but early cancer is often silent<\/td><td>BPH, prostatitis, infection, overactive bladder, medicines, diabetes, sleep disorders<\/td><td>History, examination, focused urine or blood testing, residual and flow assessment<\/td><td>Prompt if complete retention or severe pain<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Burning or painful urination<\/td><td>Not a specific cancer sign<\/td><td>Urinary infection, prostatitis, urethritis, stones, bladder irritation<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/urinalysis-ua-complete\">Urinalysis Complete Test<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/culture-urine-routine-test\">Culture, Urine, Routine Test<\/a> may address selected infection alternatives; clinical assessment remains necessary<\/td><td>Prompt with fever, chills, vomiting, or systemic illness<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Blood in urine or semen<\/td><td>Can occur but does not identify the source<\/td><td>Infection, stones, inflammation, BPH, urinary-tract lesions, procedures<\/td><td>Prompt professional evaluation; imaging or cystoscopy may be needed<\/td><td>Prompt, especially with clots, heavy bleeding, or inability to urinate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Erectile difficulty<\/td><td>Usually nonspecific; may occur with advanced disease or treatment<\/td><td>Vascular, neurologic, hormonal, medication, psychological, or pelvic causes<\/td><td>History, examination, and cause-directed evaluation<\/td><td>Routine unless paired with acute neurologic or other warning signs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Persistent bone pain, unexplained weight loss, or marked fatigue<\/td><td>May occur with advanced disease<\/td><td>Many musculoskeletal, metabolic, inflammatory, and other cancer causes<\/td><td>Prompt examination and clinician-directed laboratory and imaging evaluation<\/td><td>Prompt<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Leg weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control<\/td><td>Possible spinal cord or nerve compression from advanced disease or another cause<\/td><td>Disc disease, spinal stenosis, trauma, infection, other tumors<\/td><td>Urgent or emergency neurologic and imaging assessment<\/td><td>Emergency<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-differential.webp?resize=1024%2C768&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Urinary, pelvic, bleeding, and systemic symptoms paired with common alternative causes\" class=\"wp-image-4103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-differential.webp?resize=1024%2C768&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-differential.webp?resize=300%2C225&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-differential.webp?resize=768%2C576&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-differential.webp?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-differential.webp?w=1600&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The pattern, duration, severity, examination, laboratory results, and imaging help narrow the cause.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prostate Cancer Risk Factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Risk factors change the probability of prostate cancer; they do not establish the diagnosis or automatically determine testing. Important considerations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> risk increases with age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Family history:<\/strong> a father, brother, or multiple relatives with prostate cancer\u2014especially younger-onset or aggressive disease\u2014can increase concern.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Black ancestry:<\/strong> Black men in the United States experience higher incidence and mortality. This supports an earlier, individualized risk discussion, not a diagnosis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inherited variants:<\/strong> pathogenic variants such as BRCA2, and selected other hereditary cancer syndromes, may increase risk or the chance of aggressive disease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Overall health and life expectancy:<\/strong> these affect whether screening\u2019s delayed potential benefit is likely to outweigh near-term harms.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Diet, supplements, sexual activity, or one lifestyle factor should not be used as a substitute for evidence-based risk assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-risk-factors.webp?resize=1024%2C576&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Age, family history, inherited variants, and Black ancestry summarized as prostate-cancer risk factors\" class=\"wp-image-4102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-risk-factors.webp?resize=1024%2C576&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-risk-factors.webp?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-risk-factors.webp?resize=768%2C432&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-risk-factors.webp?resize=1536%2C864&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-risk-factors.webp?w=1600&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Risk factors guide shared decision-making; they do not predict an individual diagnosis.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Screening, Symptom Evaluation, and Monitoring Are Different<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Purpose<\/th><th>Who it applies to<\/th><th>Main question<\/th><th>Typical next context<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Screening<\/td><td>Person without symptoms or known cancer<\/td><td>Is there enough risk to justify further assessment?<\/td><td>Shared decision-making, PSA, possible confirmation and secondary risk assessment<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Symptom evaluation<\/td><td>Person with urinary, pelvic, systemic, or examination findings<\/td><td>What conditions could explain the presentation?<\/td><td>History, examination, cause-directed laboratory testing, imaging or procedures<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Diagnostic confirmation<\/td><td>Person with sufficient concern after risk assessment<\/td><td>Is cancer present in sampled tissue?<\/td><td>Biopsy and pathology<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Active surveillance<\/td><td>Selected person with diagnosed prostate cancer<\/td><td>Is a known cancer stable or changing?<\/td><td>Clinician-managed PSA, examination, imaging and repeat tissue assessment as appropriate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Post-treatment monitoring<\/td><td>Person treated for prostate cancer<\/td><td>Is there evidence suggesting persistence or recurrence?<\/td><td>Specialist-selected assay, trends, treatment history and imaging when indicated<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/screening-diagnosis-surveillance-differences.webp?resize=1024%2C768&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Screening, diagnostic evaluation, tissue diagnosis, and surveillance compared\" class=\"wp-image-4107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/screening-diagnosis-surveillance-differences.webp?resize=1024%2C768&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/screening-diagnosis-surveillance-differences.webp?resize=300%2C225&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/screening-diagnosis-surveillance-differences.webp?resize=768%2C576&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/screening-diagnosis-surveillance-differences.webp?resize=1536%2C1152&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/screening-diagnosis-surveillance-differences.webp?w=1600&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Use the correct term because the purpose of testing changes how a result should be interpreted.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What PSA May Add\u2014and Why It Cannot Diagnose Cancer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/psa-total\">PSA Total Test<\/a> measures PSA in blood. Higher concentrations generally increase concern, but there is no value that proves cancer and no low value that guarantees its absence. BPH, prostatitis, infection, retention, medicines, ejaculation, cycling, and procedures can alter the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">PSA may support an informed screening decision, symptom evaluation, or monitoring, but those uses are not interchangeable. Detailed range interpretation belongs in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/cancer\/prostate-cancer\/psa-levels-explained\/\">canonical PSA levels guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/psa-testing-benefits-limitations.webp?resize=1024%2C576&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"PSA testing contributions, interpretation challenges, and diagnostic limits\" class=\"wp-image-4106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/psa-testing-benefits-limitations.webp?resize=1024%2C576&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/psa-testing-benefits-limitations.webp?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/psa-testing-benefits-limitations.webp?resize=768%2C432&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/psa-testing-benefits-limitations.webp?resize=1536%2C864&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/psa-testing-benefits-limitations.webp?w=1600&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There is no single PSA value that functions as a universal diagnosis for every person.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clinical Examination and Digital Rectal Examination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A digital rectal examination allows a clinician to assess the accessible surface of the prostate for size, asymmetry, firmness, tenderness, or a nodule. It can add information but can miss cancers and cannot confirm one. A normal examination does not eliminate risk, and an abnormal examination still requires further assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Repeat Testing, Risk Calculators, Free PSA, and Other Biomarkers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A newly elevated screening PSA is often confirmed before secondary testing or biopsy when there are no urgent findings. A validated risk calculator can combine age, PSA, family history, ancestry, examination, prior biopsy, and other variables. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/test\/psa-free-and-total\">PSA Free and Total Test<\/a> may add context in selected elevated or borderline total-PSA situations, but percent-free PSA is not a universal biopsy rule. See <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/cancer\/prostate-cancer\/benefits-of-psa-free-and-total-test-vs-psa-total-test-alone\/\">Free PSA vs. Total PSA<\/a> for that focused comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other blood or urine biomarkers may help estimate the chance of clinically significant cancer in selected people. Their availability, validation population, thresholds, costs, and effect on decisions differ. They are specialist- or clinician-directed tools, not broad wellness panels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prostate MRI and Its Limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Multiparametric prostate MRI can show areas that appear suspicious, estimate prostate volume, and help target biopsy. It may reduce some unnecessary biopsies or improve detection of clinically significant lesions within a complete pathway, but it can miss cancer and can identify findings that are not cancer. MRI quality and interpretation expertise matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An MRI result should be combined with PSA, clinical risk, examination, prior biopsy history, and patient preferences. A nonsuspicious MRI is not a universal reason to avoid biopsy when overall risk remains high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Biopsy and Pathology: The Diagnostic Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A prostate biopsy removes tissue cores, usually through a transperineal or transrectal approach, for microscopic examination. MRI may guide targeted sampling, and systematic samples may also be considered. The pathologist determines whether cancer is present and, if so, assigns histologic grade information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Biopsy can cause pain, bleeding, urinary retention, and infection. A negative biopsy reduces but does not always eliminate concern, particularly when PSA, imaging, or examination remains suspicious. Decisions about initial or repeat biopsy belong in an individualized urology discussion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-mri-biopsy-pathology-roles.webp?resize=1024%2C576&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"MRI, prostate biopsy, and pathology compared as distinct detection tools\" class=\"wp-image-4105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-mri-biopsy-pathology-roles.webp?resize=1024%2C576&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-mri-biopsy-pathology-roles.webp?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-mri-biopsy-pathology-roles.webp?resize=768%2C432&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-mri-biopsy-pathology-roles.webp?resize=1536%2C864&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-mri-biopsy-pathology-roles.webp?w=1600&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Imaging estimates; tissue confirms. Clinical decisions integrate both with PSA and individual risk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Laboratory Testing Can and Cannot Reveal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Laboratory Testing May<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Measure PSA for an informed screening, symptom-evaluation, or monitoring purpose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide selected secondary biomarkers that modify a risk estimate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Evaluate noncancerous alternatives to urinary symptoms when a urine or infection question is defined.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support staging or treatment monitoring after a diagnosis when selected by the cancer team.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Laboratory Testing Cannot by Itself<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Confirm or exclude prostate cancer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show the exact location or extent of a tumor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Determine Grade Group or pathology.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Distinguish every benign PSA elevation from cancer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Replace MRI, biopsy, pathology, genetic counseling, or specialist evaluation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Educational framework\u2014not a diagnostic or treatment algorithm.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Identify the pathway.<\/strong> Is this informed screening without symptoms, symptom evaluation, or monitoring after diagnosis or treatment?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check urgency.<\/strong> Neurologic deficits, retention, heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever with systemic illness, or rapid decline needs prompt care.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Estimate baseline risk.<\/strong> Consider age, family history, ancestry, inherited variants, overall health, life expectancy, and preferences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use PSA in context.<\/strong> Review medicines, infection, retention, procedures, preparation, laboratory method, and prior results.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Confirm or refine risk.<\/strong> Depending on the situation, consider repeat PSA, examination, a validated calculator, selected biomarker, or MRI.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Obtain tissue when necessary.<\/strong> Biopsy and pathology answer whether cancer is present and how it appears microscopically.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Separate diagnosis from management.<\/strong> Grade, stage, risk group, overall health, and patient goals inform treatment or active surveillance after diagnosis.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-detection-pathway.webp?resize=1024%2C576&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Five-step prostate-cancer detection framework from risk discussion to pathology\" class=\"wp-image-4101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-detection-pathway.webp?resize=1024%2C576&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-detection-pathway.webp?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-detection-pathway.webp?resize=768%2C432&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-detection-pathway.webp?resize=1536%2C864&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-detection-pathway.webp?w=1600&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The sequence varies. MRI or adjunctive biomarkers do not eliminate every need for biopsy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">False Results, Overdiagnosis, Biopsy Harms, and Overtreatment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A false-positive PSA result can cause anxiety and lead to imaging or biopsy when no cancer is present. A false-negative or falsely reassuring result may delay evaluation. Screening can find a cancer that would never have caused symptoms or shortened life; this is overdiagnosis. Treating such a cancer exposes a person to urinary, sexual, bowel, and other harms without benefit from that treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These tradeoffs are why the current USPSTF final recommendation from May 2018 frames PSA screening for ages 55\u201369 as an individual decision and recommends against routine PSA-based screening at age 70 or older. The USPSTF page states that an update is in progress, so the date and status should be rechecked before each substantive revision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Genetic Counseling or Germline Testing May Be Relevant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Genetic counseling may be considered when there is a strong family pattern of prostate, breast, ovarian, pancreatic, colorectal, or related cancers; a known familial pathogenic variant; younger-onset disease; aggressive or metastatic prostate cancer; or another guideline-supported reason. A counselor or qualified clinician can select an appropriate germline test, explain possible uncertain findings, and discuss implications for relatives. Consumer genetic results do not diagnose prostate cancer and may require clinical confirmation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Direct-Access Testing Is Not the Right First Step<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New leg weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe back pain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Complete inability to urinate, heavy bleeding or clots, severe pelvic pain, or systemic illness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A palpable mass, abnormal imaging, or a clinician-identified prostate abnormality requiring coordinated evaluation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A known prostate cancer being staged, treated, or monitored; the cancer team should choose the assay and timing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Broad tumor-marker panels, routine urine tests, or large wellness panels proposed as prostate-cancer screening.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-urgent-warning-signs.webp?resize=1024%2C576&#038;quality=100&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Urinary retention, infection, neurologic changes, blood, and severe pain as urgent signs\" class=\"wp-image-4104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-urgent-warning-signs.webp?resize=1024%2C576&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-urgent-warning-signs.webp?resize=300%2C169&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-urgent-warning-signs.webp?resize=768%2C432&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-urgent-warning-signs.webp?resize=1536%2C864&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/prostate-cancer-urgent-warning-signs.webp?w=1600&amp;quality=100&amp;ssl=1 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Emergency symptoms bypass routine direct-access testing and should be evaluated immediately.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For common urinary conditions and symptom testing, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/cancer\/prostate-cancer\/prostate-health-key-insights-on-psa-testing\/\">Prostate Health, BPH, Prostatitis, and Urinary Symptoms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Understanding Laboratory Results<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A laboratory reference interval is not automatically a cancer threshold, and a screening decision point is not a treatment target. Units, method, preanalytical conditions, biological variation, and trends matter. Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/lab-testing-knowledge-center\/how-to-read-lab-results\/\">How to Read and Understand Your Lab Results<\/a> to review flags, intervals, trends, and confirmatory testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If direct access is appropriate for the defined question, review <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/lab-testing-knowledge-center\/direct-access-lab-testing\/\">how direct-access lab testing works<\/a> before collection. An unexpected result needs a follow-up plan rather than automatic repetition at short intervals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Am I considering screening, evaluating symptoms, or monitoring a known condition?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What are my most important risk factors and how do they affect the decision?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What potential benefit and harm matters most for me?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Could medicines, infection, retention, ejaculation, cycling, or a procedure affect PSA?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Should an unexpected PSA be confirmed before another step?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Would a validated risk calculator, percent-free PSA, or another biomarker add useful information?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What can MRI answer, and what can it miss?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What are the benefits and complications of transperineal and transrectal biopsy?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a biopsy finds cancer, how will grade, stage, and risk group be established?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does my family history justify genetic counseling?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the early signs of prostate cancer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early prostate cancer usually has no signs. Urinary symptoms can occur but are more often caused by noncancerous conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can prostate cancer cause urinary symptoms?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can, especially with local growth, but weak stream, frequency, urgency, and nocturia are not specific and commonly occur with BPH or bladder conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does a high PSA mean prostate cancer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Higher PSA increases concern but can also result from BPH, inflammation, infection, retention, medicines, or procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can prostate cancer occur with a low PSA?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. A low result reduces concern in many settings but does not eliminate all cancer risk or explain persistent symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a digital rectal examination diagnose cancer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. It may detect an abnormality that changes risk, but diagnosis requires additional evaluation and usually tissue pathology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can MRI diagnose prostate cancer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MRI can identify suspicious areas and guide biopsy, but it can miss cancer and cannot replace pathology when tissue confirmation is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a biopsy always required after an elevated PSA?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. A clinician may first confirm PSA, review temporary influences, use a risk calculator or selected biomarker, or obtain MRI. The decision depends on overall risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What confirms prostate cancer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A pathologist\u2019s examination of biopsy or surgical tissue establishes the diagnosis when definitive confirmation is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is active surveillance the same as repeating PSA after an abnormal result?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Active surveillance is a structured clinician-managed strategy for selected people with diagnosed prostate cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can urinalysis detect prostate cancer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. It may identify blood, inflammation, or infection-related findings when urinary symptoms are present, but it is not a prostate-cancer screening or diagnostic test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who should consider genetic counseling?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People with a strong family history, known familial variant, younger-onset or aggressive disease, or another guideline-supported hereditary-cancer concern may benefit from counseling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When are bone pain or weakness urgent?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Persistent bone pain deserves prompt evaluation. New leg weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control can indicate spinal compression and requires emergency assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Detection Require More Than One Result<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prostate cancer symptoms are often absent early and nonspecific when present. Prostate cancer detection combines an informed screening or symptom-evaluation pathway with risk factors, PSA context, examination, selected biomarkers, MRI, and\u2014when definitive diagnosis is needed\u2014biopsy pathology. Focus on clinically significant disease, acknowledge testing harms, and choose the next step with a qualified healthcare professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Primary References<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/types\/prostate\/psa-fact-sheet\">Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test<\/a>. National Cancer Institute. Updated January 31, 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auanet.org\/about-us\/media-center\/press-center\/aua-announces-updates-to-the-early-detection-of-prostate-cancer-guideline\">AUA Announces Updates to the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer Guideline<\/a>. American Urological Association and Society of Urologic Oncology. February 26, 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/types\/prostate-cancer\/detection-diagnosis-staging\/signs-symptoms.html\">Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer<\/a>. American Cancer Society. Revised January 7, 2025.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/types\/prostate-cancer\/detection-diagnosis-staging\/how-diagnosed.html\">Tests to Diagnose and Stage Prostate Cancer<\/a>. American Cancer Society.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org\/uspstf\/recommendation\/prostate-cancer-screening\">Prostate Cancer: Screening<\/a>. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Final recommendation May 8, 2018; update in progress as of September 2, 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/about-cancer\/causes-prevention\/genetics\/brca-fact-sheet\">BRCA Gene Changes: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing<\/a>. National Cancer Institute. Updated July 19, 2024.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Medical Disclaimer and Commercial Disclosure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This content is educational and does not provide individual diagnosis or treatment. Laboratory testing does not replace medical history, examination, imaging, biopsy, pathology, genetic counseling, specialist evaluation, or emergency care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ulta Lab Tests offers laboratory-testing services and may link to tests or panels discussed on this page. This content is educational and does not provide individual diagnosis or treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Originally published:<\/strong> July 2, 2026 | <strong>Substantively updated:<\/strong> September 2, 2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Direct answer: Early localized prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When urinary, sexual, pelvic, or bone symptoms occur, they are not specific and frequently have noncancerous causes. Prostate cancer detection may begin with an informed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":4098,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[62,63,64,210,241,67],"tags":[5899,5893,5892,5890,5889,2704,2699,5895,5891,5210,5897,5669,5896,5894,5898,2687,552,2701,2697,3549,1507,2705,2682,1505,3542],"class_list":["post-474","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cancer","category-all-cancer","category-cancer-and-tumor-markers-women","category-mens-health","category-prostate","category-prostate-cancer","tag-active-surveillance","tag-brca2","tag-clinically-significant-prostate-cancer","tag-digital-rectal-examination","tag-dre","tag-early-signs-of-prostate-cancer","tag-elevated-psa","tag-false-positive-psa","tag-family-history","tag-genetic-counseling","tag-grade-group","tag-hereditary-cancer","tag-overdiagnosis","tag-overtreatment","tag-pathology","tag-prostate-biopsy","tag-prostate-cancer","tag-prostate-cancer-detection","tag-prostate-cancer-diagnosis","tag-prostate-cancer-risk","tag-prostate-cancer-screening","tag-prostate-cancer-symptoms","tag-prostate-mri","tag-psa-test","tag-urinary-symptoms"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.7 (Yoast SEO v28.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Detection: What Men Should Know | Ulta Lab Tests<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Prostate cancer symptoms, early signs of prostate cancer, and prostate cancer detection: learn about PSA, MRI, biopsy, risks, and next steps.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ultalabtests.com\/blog\/cancer\/prostate-cancer\/prostate-cancer-symptoms-detection\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Detection: What Men Should Know\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Prostate cancer symptoms, early signs of prostate cancer, and 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