Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer remains a significant health concern in Australia.
- Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Australian men, following lung cancer.
- Despite the rising number of cases and deaths, survival rates have improved. Between 2016 and 2020, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer was 96%. This was due to early detection and better treatments.
These statistics underscore the importance of early detection and management.
Screening for Prostate Cancer
Medical screening is when we check for health problems before you have any symptoms. It’s a health check-up designed to catch issues early, even when you feel fine.
We perform prostate screening by taking a blood test for a protein called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Although this protein is specific to the prostate it is not specific for prostate cancer and can also be elevated due to non-cancer causes.
If your PSA is elevated above a certain threshold we will recheck it again in 4-6 weeks to confirm the result. If it is still elevated, we will refer you to a Urologist and you will complete a bulk billed MRI which is very good at distinguishing if there is a concerning cause for the elevated PSA.
When Prostate cancer screening starts depends on your family history.
- No family history of prostate cancer = Average risk (Start screening at 50 years old).
- If you have a brother or father diagnosed with prostate cancer = Moderate risk (Start screening at 45 years old).
- If you have three first degree relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer = High risk (Start screening at 40 years old).
Screening should then be completed every 2 years until 69 years old.
Symptoms to be aware of
It is important to note that if you have any symptoms you should speak to a doctor straight away rather than waiting for your routine screening.
These symptoms include:
- Difficulty initiating urination
- A decrease in the flow or pressure of your urine stream
- Dribbling after you thought urination was complete
- Blood in your urine or getting up more often overnight compared to what you normally would.
Questions or concerns?
Book now with one of our specialist General Practitioners if you have any questions or concerns about symptoms or management of prostate cancer.
