Prostate cancer
What is prostate cancer?
The prostate is a reproductive organ roughly the same size as a walnut. Its main function is to produce the fluid which protects and enriches sperm. The size of the prostate can change for a number of reasons — some enlargement of the prostate is usual in most men from the age of 50 onwards.1
There are four main disorders of the prostate and all can have similar symptoms but prostate cancer is the only one of the four disorders that is potentially life-threatening.1
Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells of the prostate reproduce far more rapidly than in a normal prostate, causing a swelling or tumour. Prostate cancer cells eventually break-out of the prostate and invade parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes, producing secondary tumours, a process known as metastasis.1
Many prostate cancers can develop without men experiencing the symptoms. Early detection is the key to enabling better outcomes and potential cure of prostate cancer.2
It is recommended that men have regular prostate exams at the age of 50 years. Forty years is recommended if there is a family history of prostate cancer.2
Who does prostate cancer affect?
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), around 20,000 Australian men are diagnosed (every year) and more than 3,300 die of the disease, making prostate cancer the second largest cause of male cancer deaths, after lung cancer.3
Based on statistics from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men living in New Zealand. About 2,500 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year.4
What are the most common symptoms of prostate cancer?
The four main disorders of the prostate including prostate cancer can have similar symptoms, which may include one or more of the following:1
- Changes (frequency, ease, pain) flow of urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Decrease in libido (sex urge)
- Reduced ability to get an erection
Most men tend to accept the onset of one or more of these symptoms as being natural consequence of ageing. However anyone experiencing any of the above symptoms is advised to consult a doctor without delay.1
How is the disease managed?
The type of treatment advised will depend on a number of factors including the stage of the cancer and the man’s age and general health. Treatment options for localized prostate cancer include: 5
- active surveillance
- surgery
- radiation
- high intensity focused ultrasound
- hormone therapy
On being diagnosed with prostate cancer, most men experience very strong emotions.4There are a number or peer-to-peer resources available for men living with prostate cancer that they can look to for support.6
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional or visit some of the following sites that may offer more information.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand
1 Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. The Prostate – What is it? http://www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/pages/The-Prostate-%252d-What-is-it%3F.html. Accessed 20 October 2009.
2 Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. ‘Testing & Diagnosis’ http://www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/pages/Testing-and-Diagnosis.html Accessed 22 October 2009.
3 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). Cancer in Australia: An Overview, 2008. AIHW. Cat.no.CAN 42
4 Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand. ‘Cancer of the Prostate’. http://www.prostate.org.nz/ Accessed 22 October 2009.
5 Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Post Diagnosis. http://www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/pages/Post-diagnosis.html. Accessed 22 October 2009.
6 Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Support Groups. http://www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/pages/Support-Groups.html Accessed 22 October 2009.