Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer

Metastatic prostate cancer means that a cancer that began in the prostate gland has spread to another part of the body. It is also called advanced prostate cancer.

If your prostate cancer has spread you might:

• have bone pain

• feel very tired (fatigue)

• feel generally unwell

• have weight loss for no known reason

You might have specific symptoms depending on where the cancer has spread to. These symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions. So they might not be a sign that the cancer has spread.

Symptom control team

There are symptom control teams in most cancer units. They can help you to stay as well as possible for as long as possible. They are also in hospices and many general hospitals.

Most symptom control teams have home care services so they can visit you at home.

Find out about controlling symptoms of prostate cancer

How you might feel

Unfortunately, when prostate cancer has spread to another part of your body, it can no longer be cured. But treatment can control it for some time and help to relieve symptoms.

Finding out that your cancer can’t be cured is distressing and can be a shock. It’s common to feel uncertain and anxious. It's normal not to be able to think about anything else.

Lots of information and support are available to you, your family and your friends. It can help to find out more about your cancer and the treatments you might have. Many people find that knowing more about their situation can help them cope.

Talk to your doctor or nurse to understand:

• what your diagnosis means

• what is likely to happen

• what treatment is available

• how treatment can help you

Find out more about coping with metastatic prostate cancer