Prostate cancer rates in Australia are among the highest in the world. Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of prostate cells, which form a lump (tumour) in the prostate. In time it will spread to other organs, particularly the bones and lymph nodes, which can be life threatening.
Prostate cancer is generally a slow growing disease. However in some cases, particular younger men, the high grade disease spreads aggressively and can be lethal. A major problem is that prostate cancer at an early (potentially curable) stage usually does not have obvious symptoms.
About prostate cancer
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small gland forming part of the male reproductive system. Its main function is to produce fluid which protects and enriches sperm.
In younger men the prostate is about the size of a walnut and is located below the bladder. It is doughnut shaped as it surrounds the beginning of the urethra, the tube that conveys urine from the bladder to the penis.
The nerves that control erections surround the prostate.
#1
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australian men
3,610+
Lives lost to prostate cancer in Australia in 2020
16,750+
Men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia in 2020
1 in 5
Queensland men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
2 Simple steps. once a year.
Detection & Awareness
Prostate cancer screening involves a straightforward, two-step process designed to monitor your prostate health annually, starting at age 40. Early detection is key in managing and treating prostate cancer effectively.
Step One: Annual PSA Test
Schedule Your Test: Plan a yearly visit to your doctor to request a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. This blood test is crucial as it measures the amount of PSA in your blood and helps detect any abnormalities early.
Choose a Memorable Date: Make it easier to remember by scheduling your test around a consistent date each year such as your birthday, New Year’s Day, or another significant personal milestone.
Consider a DRE: Depending on your initial PSA results, your doctor might suggest a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE). This test is less common and is typically reserved for further investigation if other symptoms or test results warrant it.
Step Two: Know and Track Your Score
Record Your Results: Always ask for your specific PSA score post-test and keep a record to track changes over the years.
Monitor Changes: It’s crucial to monitor the stability of your PSA score annually. Significant changes in the score can be an early indicator of prostate health issues, prompting further tests.
What Further Testing is Needed
If your PSA test or DRE suggests any abnormalities, further diagnostic procedures may be necessary. These can include:
- Biopsy: To obtain and examine tissue samples.
- Bone Scan: To detect any spread of cancer to the bones.
- MRI or CT Scan: Provides a detailed image of your prostate and surrounding tissues. P
- ET Scan: Helps in advanced staging by identifying cancerous cells throughout the body.
A benefit for men to have a baseline PSA at the age of 40. There is increasing evidence suggesting a baseline PSA at the age of 40 has the potential to predict an individual’s future risk of developing prostate cancer. It can then guide the frequency of further testing with a PSA and DRE.
Individuals identified as high risk can undergo close monitoring whilst individuals identified as low risk can have less frequent monitoring. It also allows the identification of a small number of aggressive cancers that can be found in young men.
With systematic testing most cancers found are in a curable stage.
Recent evidence has demonstrated that prostate cancer screening does save lives. A large trial recently published in the world renowned New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrated that PSA based testing reduced the death rate from prostate cancer up to 38%.
The trial which was conducted in Europe, studied 162,000 men over a prolonged period and is known as the ERSPC Trial (European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer).
The results of the ERSPC trial demonstrated that for every 1,000 men tested for prostate cancer, 48 would need to be treated to save 1 life.
PSA Testing Prevention & Risk
What are the risks and benefits of Prostate Cancer Testing
Testing for prostate cancer has potential risks and benefits. In making a decision whether or not to be tested these risks and benefits must be assessed.
Potential benefits of prostate cancer testing and early diagnosis include:
Diagnosing prostate cancer at an early and potentially curable stage when it is localised and potentially curable, prostate cancer that is diagnosed late and spread beyond the prostate is often incurable.
Recent evidence suggests that prostate cancer screening has the potential to decrease the death rate from prostate cancer by up to 44%.
Potential risks of prostate cancer testing and early diagnosis include:
Some prostate cancers don’t present a threat to life and treatment may result in side effects and a reduction in a patient’s quality of life with potential for impotence and incontinence. This is known as overtreatment.
Not all patients with an abnormal PSA will have prostate cancer and the only way to find out is a prostate biopsy. This results in 2 out of 3 men having an unnecessary prostate biopsy with potential side effects.
How does a man decide whether or not to be tested for Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer testing or screening is an important decision for men to make. There is no right or wrong answer and the decision whether or not to be tested is a complex issue. The decision should be made in conjunction with a patient’s treating doctor and their partner after reading the appropriate information on prostate cancer early detection and weighing up the risks and benefits whilst their goals, fears and willingness to accept these risks and potential benefits.