The most important thing to understand is that early, curable prostate cancer typically produces no symptoms at all, because it usually starts in the outer part of the gland away from the urethra. Many men assume they would notice it, but symptoms often only appear once it is more advanced. This is why the decision about PSA screening is based on age and risk, not on waiting for symptoms.
When symptoms do occur, they can include difficulty urinating, weak or interrupted stream, urgency, needing to urinate frequently or at night, blood in the urine or semen, and erectile problems. These overlap heavily with benign prostate enlargement, so they do not by themselves mean cancer. Advanced disease can cause bone pain, especially in the back or hips, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue.
See a doctor about persistent urinary symptoms and discuss whether screening is right for you, particularly if you are over 50, or over 40 to 45 with a family history or of Black ethnicity. Seek prompt care for bone pain, blood in the urine, or unexplained weight loss.