Prostate Cancer

What is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut that sits beneath the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the passage through which urine and semen pass. The prostate gland produces some of the fluid that makes up semen and is essential for male fertility.

It is normal for the prostate to grow larger as a man gets older. Prostate cancer occurs when prostate cells grow abnormally and form into a malignant tumour. Cancer cells can have the ability to invade the rest of the prostate and spread around the body if left untreated for long enough.

Prostate cancer is common, particularly in men over the age of 60. One in six Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Other than age, the biggest risk factor for prostate cancer is a family history of prostate cancer.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Early prostate cancer does not cause symptoms. 

Fortunately, most prostate cancers are diagnosed at an early stage using a blood test called PSA. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, which is a protein made by the prostate that can be detected in the blood. The PSA can be elevated due to prostate cancer, benign enlargement of the prostate or inflammation of the prostate, so an elevated reading is not always due to prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) recommends men over age 50, or 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, talk to their doctor about testing for prostate cancer using a PSA test every two years. 

An elevated PSA blood test requires further tests to diagnose prostate cancer. These can include an MRI (radiology imaging) of the prostate and a biopsy under anaesthetic. 

How is prostate cancer treated?

Not every prostate cancer or man diagnosed with prostate cancer is the same. For this reason, there are many different treatments available. 

Your doctor will help determine the best treatments for you. This decision will be based on many factors:

• The extent of your cancer (stage).
• How aggressive the cells look (Gleason or ISUP grade score).
• Your PSA level.
• Your age, general health and life expectancy.
• Any potential side effects.
• Your personal choices and feelings about treatment.

Fortunately, there are lots of great resources to guide you through your prostate cancer journey. Your doctor will be able to provide further details.

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia | PCFA

Prostate cancer | Causes, Symptoms & Treatments | Cancer Council

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