PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate grow in an uncontrolled way. 

The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It makes a fluid that forms part of semen. The prostate is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Prostate cancer can press on or block the bladder or the urethra (the tube that allows urine to be released from the bladder) and cause problems with urination and sexual function. In advanced disease, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body to form secondary cancers (known as metastasis). 

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Australia (apart from common skin cancers).

Types of Prostate Cancers

Almost all prostate cancers develop from the cells that line the prostate gland – this type of cancer is called an adenocarcinoma. 

Other types of cells in the prostate can also develop into prostate cancer. These cancers are called: 

  • sarcomas 

  • small cell carcinomas 

  • neuroendocrine tumours or transitional cell carcinomas 

These other types are all extremely rare. The information presented on this page is primarily related to prostate adenocarcinoma.

Prostate cancer risk factors

Factors that are associated with a higher risk of developing prostate cancer include[2][3]: 

  • age: the risk of developing prostate cancer increases rapidly from age 50; it is most commonly diagnosed in people aged between 60 and 79 

  • family history: those who have a father or brother with prostate cancer who were diagnosed before the age of 60, or who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, are more likely to develop prostate cancer 

  • changes in certain genes that can be carried in families: inherited mutations in certain genes, such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer in some people. People with a genetic condition called Lynch syndrome (also called hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or HNPCC) also have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. 

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What are the symptoms

Prostate cancer may cause no symptoms, even in the advanced stage. 

Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include: 

  • problems urinating, including weak flow, a flow that stops and starts, needing to urinate urgently or frequently, difficulty starting the flow of urine, or feeling like you haven’t completely emptied your bladder 

  • pain or burning when urinating 

  • blood in the urine or semen 

  • pain in the back, hips, pelvis or chest 

  • weak or numb legs or feet 

  • unexplained weight loss 

  • tiredness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fast heartbeat or pale skin. 

Many conditions can cause these symptoms, not just prostate cancer. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. Blood in the urine should never be ignored. 

How its diagnosed

A number of tests may be performed to investigate symptoms of prostate cancer and confirm a diagnosis. Some of the more common tests include

  • medical history, family history and physical examination 

  • digital rectal examination – where the doctor inserts a gloved finger into your rectum to feel the prostate through the rectal wall 

  • blood test to check for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by the prostate; the level of PSA can be higher than normal in people with prostate cancer (but also in people with other prostate conditions that are not cancer) 

  • genetic tests that look for inherited gene changes 

  • transrectal ultrasound – where a probe is inserted into the rectum that uses sound waves to create a picture of the prostate inside the body 

  • imaging tests such as a CT scan and a bone scan to look at whether the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland and help to guide management.

The Cancer Council in your state or territory can give you general information about cancer, as well as information on resources and support groups in your local area. Call the Cancer Council Information and Support Helpline from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call on 13 11 20. 

Rachel Mcnamara