International Men’s Week
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian men, with 1 in 5 men being diagnosed before they turn 85. More than 3900 Australian men die from prostate cancer each year. Prostate cancer has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers, with 95.8% of men likely to survive five years or more. If detected early in Stage one, prostate cancer five-year survival rates are 99%.
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as you age. You also are increased risk if you have a family history of the disease, with the risk doubling if your father or brother has been diagnosed with the disease. If there is a history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family, your risk is also greater.
You may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer, but when symptoms do occur, the most common signs involve changes or problems with urinating. They include:
- increased urination
- difficulty in starting and stopping urination
- difficulty or pain when urinating
- feeling like you can’t empty your bladder
- feeling like you can’t urinate even though the urge is there.
Other symptoms can include:
- blood in the urine or semen
- pain during ejaculation
- pain in the lower back, upper thighs or legs
- bone pain
- unexpected or unexplained weight loss.
Prostate cancer testing should start for all men in their 50s, but you should get tested earlier if you have a family history. The first step is a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test – available through your GP or urologist.
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, we are here to help with the Cancer Support Program. The Cancer Support Program is offered to members with hospital cover who meet program criteria.
For more information on prostate cancer, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and resources, visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.
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