What is Prostate Cancer?
It is likely you have heard of Prostate Cancer already. It’s the second-most diagnosed type of cancer in Australia today behind skin cancer. In 2022, over 24,000 Australians were diagnosed as positive* – 1.4 million globally – helping it rank in the top 2 cancer types throughout the world.**
But what is prostate cancer?
The prostate is a small gland found in the male body, and holds the seminal fluid responsible for transporting sperm. Like most of the human body, it is made from cells. When those cells grow out of control and become abnormal, cancer develops.
In its simplest terms, prostate cancer is classified as either early or late stage. Early-stage prostate cancer means the cells have grown but remain within the prostate gland. Late-stage prostate cancer means the cancer has spread beyond the gland to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat.
Like with many cancers, early detection is key to giving diagnosed patients a much higher chance of a permanent cure. Unfortunately, it can quickly become aggressive where left undetected and much tougher to cure altogether – but it can be managed, thanks to modern methods introduced in recent years.
Here is everything you need to know about Prostate Cancer, including Diagnosis & Screening, Treatments and Rehabilitation.
About Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Causes
While the cause of prostate cancer is not clear, research has uncovered a series of commonalities between diagnosed males from around the world to help us understand the potential causes.
Strong evidence suggests men who are overweight, obese or tall in height are at most risk. Family history is also important, with men much more likely to receive a diagnosis if their father or brother has received one, or their mother had breast cancer.
Other less common factors in men diagnosed with prostate cancer include those with a high dairy consumption, plus a diet high in calcium and vitamin E.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
As with all cancer types, the symptoms will vary from one person to the next. Worryingly, when prostate cancer remains in its early stages, there could be no symptoms whatsoever, leaving it to go overlooked.
Once the cancer has progressed, a number of symptoms will emerge in most men, including one or more of the following:
Bear in mind these symptoms may point towards another health issue. Yet if you are experiencing any such symptoms, it is advised to book an appointment for a prostate screening test as soon as possible.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis & Screening
According to current data from the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, 1 in 5 men in Australia will be diagnosed with prostate cancer before they turn 85**. The average age when diagnosed is 69.
As you will appreciate, with numbers this high, regular screening for prostate cancer is imperative – whether you are experiencing symptoms or not.
In Australia, males are encouraged to book a prostate check with a Urologist once they reach the age of 50, and to continue doing so at two year intervals. Or, if a family member has already been diagnosed with prostate cancer, medical advice suggests men arrange their first screening test between the ages of 40 and 45.
