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Warning signs or symptoms 

Early prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. However, as the tumour grows, men may notice: 

• Needing to urinate more often, especially at night 

• Sudden, strong urges to urinate 

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination 

• Blood in the urine 

• Trouble getting an erection 

• Persistent pain or stiffness in the back, hips, or pelvis 

These changes don’t always mean cancer, but it’s important to get checked. 

Screening and Early Detection 

For most men, discussions about screening should begin at age 50, or earlier for those with a family history or of African ancestry.  

While 1 in 8 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, men of Black ethnicity face an even higher risk. Research shows that Black men of African or Caribbean ancestry are almost twice as likely to develop prostate cancer and are more likely to have aggressive tumours. 

Screening usually involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which measures a substance produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels don’t always indicate cancer but may prompt further testing 

“Screening doesn’t diagnose prostate cancer,” Erica emphasizes. “But it can flag when something’s wrong and guide what needs to happen next.” 

Reducing Risk 

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, lifestyle choices can help reduce risk.  

Men can also lower their risk by: 

• Maintaining a healthy weight 

• Eating more fruits and vegetables 

• Staying physically active 

• Quitting smoking 

For more information on prostate cancer, screening, and risk reduction, visit: 

• Cancer Care Ontario – Prostate Cancer 

• Canadian Cancer Society – Signs & Symptoms 

• Ontario.ca – Prostate Cancer Screening 

• Canadian Cancer Society – Reduce Your Risk 

• Canadian Cancer Society – Risk in Black Community 

• Canadian Cancer Society – Obesity & Risk 

• Cancer Care Ontario – PSA Test; Canadian Cancer Society – PSA