Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer, also known as carcinoma of the prostate, is the development of cancer in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, some grow relatively quickly. The cancer cells may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes. It may initially cause no symptoms. In later stages it can lead to difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, or pain in the pelvis, back or when urinating. A disease known as benign prostatic hyperplasia may produce similar symptoms. Other late symptoms may include feeling tired due to low levels of red blood cells. Factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer include: older age, a family history of the disease, and race. About 99% of cases occur in those over the age of 50. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Australia and the third most common cause of cancer death.

In 2012, 20,065 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in Australia. This represents 30% of all cancers diagnosed in Australian men. The risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer by age of 85 is 1 in 5 men.

In 2013, there were 3,112 deaths caused by prostate cancer, accounting for 13% of all cancer deaths in Australian men.

Having a first degree relative with the disease increases the risk 2 to 3 fold. Other factors that may be involved include a diet high in processed meat, red meat, or milk products or low in certain vegetables. An association with gonorrhoea has been found, but a reason for this relationship has not been identified. Prostate cancer is diagnosed by biopsy. Medical imaging may then be done to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Urinary symptoms are nonspecific and include frequent urination, particularly at night, pain on urination, blood in the urine and a weak stream. More widespread disease often spreads to the bones and gives pain or unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

Diagnosis is made using a digital rectal examination to feel the prostate and a blood test for PSA. A rectal ultrasound can image the prostate and multiple needle biopsies are used to detect the disease and determine its aggressiveness (the Gleason grade of 1-5 is added from two samples to form a score; low scores of 2-4 indicate slow growing disease).

It is recommended for all males over 50 to have a prostate examination every couple of years (Dependant on examination results by your medical practitioner).

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