Could you have prostate cancer and not know it? Prostate cancer often develops without apparent symptoms in the early stages, making early detection critical for better outcomes. At-home checks can help you notice warning signs like urinary changes or pelvic discomfort, but they cannot detect prostate cancer on their own.

Tools like at-home prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test kits may offer some insight by measuring PSA levels, but only a healthcare provider can confirm a diagnosis through screening tests like the PSA blood test or digital rectal exam.

This article explains how to check for prostate cancer at home and when to seek further testing from a medical professional.

You can watch for signs of prostate cancer at home, but finding prostate cancer early still requires medical testing. Home checks can help you notice changes in your body, but they don’t replace professional evaluations that can detect cancer in its early stages.

At-home checks can alert you to possible symptoms of prostate cancer, like urinary changes or pelvic pain. However, only a healthcare provider can confirm if these signs are caused by prostate cancer or another issue, like an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

To detect prostate cancer early, doctors use tools like the PSA blood test and digital rectal exam, where a healthcare provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for changes in the prostate—procedures that can’t be done accurately at home.

Prostate cancer often shows no signs in the early stage, but some symptoms may appear as the tumor grows. Recognizing these signs early may improve the chances of timely evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Prostate-related conditions often cause changes in urinary habits or discomfort in the lower body. Noticing these signs early can help with faster diagnosis and treatment. Watch for symptoms like:

• Frequent urination, especially at night – Needing to go often can be a sign of prostate enlargement or other prostate conditions.

• Trouble starting or stopping urine flow – A weak or interrupted stream may point to pressure on the urethra from the prostate gland.

• Blood in urine or semen – This may signal inflammation, infection, or possibly prostate cancer.

• Discomfort or pain during urination – A burning sensation or pressure could indicate a urinary or prostate issue.

• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis – Ongoing discomfort in these areas may be linked to prostate complications requiring further tests.

Simple habits like watching for changes in your body can give you clues about your prostate health. While these checks cannot diagnose cancer, they may prompt earlier medical consultation if concerning symptoms arise.

Keep track of how often you urinate and note any changes in urgency or flow. Difficulty starting urination, weak stream, or feeling like your bladder isn’t empty can be early signs of prostate problems, including when prostate cancer develops.

Pain or pressure in the lower back, hips, or pelvic area that doesn’t go away may indicate trouble. While not always linked to prostate cancer, ongoing pelvic discomfort should be checked out, especially if it appears with other symptoms.

A sudden change in sexual function, such as trouble maintaining an erection or pain during ejaculation, can be connected to prostate issues. Though many other factors can affect sexual health, these changes may point to a deeper problem, including prostate cancer, especially if combined with other risk factors like age or lifestyle.

Even if symptoms seem minor, waiting too long can delay necessary testing. Some signs need urgent medical care, especially if they keep returning or worsen over time.

Some prostate-related symptoms should never be ignored. If you notice any of the following signs, contact a healthcare provider immediately for further testing and evaluation. Ignoring symptoms could delay care, especially for those who may develop prostate cancer over time:

• Blood in urine or semen – This may indicate infection, prostate cancer, or other serious prostate issues.

• Severe or ongoing pelvic pain – Discomfort in the lower back, hips, or groin can be a warning sign of advanced prostate issues.

• Difficulty urinating or sudden loss of bladder control – These changes may suggest prostate enlargement or possible obstruction.

• Painful ejaculation or erectile problems – These can sometimes be linked to prostate cancer or inflammation.

• Burning or pain during urination – This may point to infection or inflammation in the prostate gland.

Getting medical care quickly may help detect prostate cancer early and reduce the risk of complications.

Routine prostate cancer screening may detect problems before symptoms begin, although it is not always definitive. A PSA test estimates the amount of prostate-specific antigen in your blood, and a digital rectal exam helps a doctor check for possible changes in the prostate gland. PSA results can help guide your doctor on whether further testing may be needed. The National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society recommend regular screening based on your age range, lifestyle, and family history.

Some men use the at-home test kit to check their PSA levels. While these tests can offer a quick look at your prostate-specific antigen levels, they have limits.

At-home PSA screening tests use a blood sample collected with a finger prick and mailed to a lab. The results show your PSA level, but they may not be enough to confirm or rule out prostate cancer. PSA test results can be affected by many factors, including age, infections, and even urologic procedures, and it’s important to remember that normal PSA levels can vary from person to person.

If your at-home PSA test shows elevated levels, follow up with your doctor for more accurate PSA testing and possible additional tests like a prostate biopsy, transrectal ultrasound, or advanced tools like the Prostate Health Index (PHI), which combines multiple PSA markers to better assess your risk.

Healthy daily habits may lower your risk and support your prostate over time. A few simple changes can help you take better care of your body and possibly prevent problems.

A healthy lifestyle can play a key role in supporting prostate health and reducing your risk of prostate cancer. Making wise choices with food and staying active can also benefit your overall health. Here are some tips to follow:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables – These are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber that may help protect prostate cells.

• Choose healthy fats – Use olive oil, nuts, and avocados instead of saturated fats in fried or processed foods.

• Limit red and processed meats – Cutting back on beef, bacon, and sausages may help reduce your risk of prostate cancer.

• Stay physically active – Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days to help manage weight and reduce inflammation.

• Drink plenty of water – Staying hydrated supports overall urinary and prostate function.

These simple changes may support overall wellness and help lower certain risk factors linked to prostate health.

Certain supplements are commonly used to support prostate function, especially in men looking to manage symptoms related to an enlarged prostate or to maintain wellness as they age. While research is still ongoing, here are some options people often consider:

• Saw palmetto – A systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that saw palmetto extract (Serenoa repens) may improve urinary tract symptoms and flow measures in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

• Lycopene – A systematic review and meta-analysis found that higher lycopene consumption and circulating concentrations are associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. 

• Beta-sitosterol – A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial demonstrated that beta-sitosterol significantly improves symptoms and urinary flow parameters in patients with BPH.

• Zinc – Supports immune function and may help maintain prostate health, but excessive intake can disrupt copper absorption and lead to side effects.

• Green tea extract – A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis demonstrated that higher green tea consumption is associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you’re undergoing prostate cancer screening or other lab tests.

Click here to learn more about Alerna's Prostate Support Supplements to enhance your prostate health and overall well-being!

Watching for symptoms like frequent urination, pelvic pain, or changes in sexual health can help you spot early signs of prostate issues. At-home PSA test kits and self-checks may offer clues, but they cannot detect prostate cancer with certainty. Professional screening tests like the PSA blood test and digital rectal exam are the only reliable ways to detect prostate cancer early.

Talk to your healthcare provider about further testing if you notice symptoms, have risk factors like medical history, or are at higher risk due to age or family background. Early detection may improve treatment options and outcomes, depending on the stage and type of prostate cancer.

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

1. Berges, R. R., Windeler, J., Trampisch, H. J., & Senge, T. (1995). Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Beta-sitosterol Study Group. Lancet (London, England), 345(8964), 1529–1532. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(95)91085-9

2. Chen, P., Zhang, W., Wang, X., Zhao, K., Negi, D. S., Zhuo, L., Qi, M., Wang, X., & Zhang, X. (2015). Lycopene and Risk of Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicine, 94(33), e1260. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000001260

3. Guo, Y., Zhi, F., Chen, P., Zhao, K., Xiang, H., Mao, Q., Wang, X., & Zhang, X. (2017). Green tea and the risk of prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 96(13), e6426. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000006426

4. Leslie, S. W., Soon-Sutton, T. L., & Skelton, W. P. (2024). Prostate Cancer. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.

5. Merriel, S. W. D., Funston, G., & Hamilton, W. (2018). Prostate Cancer in Primary Care. Advances in therapy, 35(9), 1285–1294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-018-0766-1

6. Rao S. S. C. (2024). Digital Rectal Examination: An Invaluable Clinical Tool. Gastro hep advances, 3(5), 592–593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gastha.2024.03.002

7. Shahrokhi Nejad, S., Golzari, Z., Zangiabadian, M., Salehi Amniyeh Khozani, A. A., Ebrahimi, R., Nejadghaderi, S. A., & Aletaha, A. (2024). The association between zinc and prostate cancer development: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PloS one, 19(3), e0299398. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299398

8. Wilt, T. J., Ishani, A., Stark, G., MacDonald, R., Lau, J., & Mulrow, C. (1998). Saw palmetto extracts for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review. JAMA, 280(18), 1604–1609. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.280.18.1604