In Australia, we see about 20,000 new cases of Prostate Cancer a year.
The Facts About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed solid cancer in men (not counting skin cancers).
It’s a disease that begins in the prostate — a small gland in the male reproductive system — and while it often grows slowly, it can sometimes be aggressive and life-threatening if not detected early.
The numbers are significant:
United States: Each year, more than 315,000 men are expected to receive a prostate cancer diagnosis. Tragically, about 30,000 men will lose their lives to the disease.
Australia: We see around 20,000 new cases every year, with approximately 3,000 deaths. This makes prostate cancer the second leading cause of cancer death in Australian men, after lung cancer.
Why these numbers matter
While these statistics are sobering, they also highlight the importance of early detection and treatment. Many men diagnosed in the early stages go on to live long and healthy lives — sometimes without ever needing aggressive treatment. The difference often comes down to regular check-ups and being proactive about your health.
The good news is that prostate cancer is often highly treatable, especially when caught early through PSA blood testing and, when needed, further imaging or biopsy. Treatments are constantly improving, with new therapies helping men maintain their quality of life while effectively managing the cancer.
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Common Myths About Prostate Cancer — Busted
When it comes to prostate cancer, misinformation can lead to unnecessary fear — or, just as dangerously, false reassurance. Let’s separate the myths from the facts.
Myth #1: Prostate cancer only affects older men.
The truth: While it’s true that most men are diagnosed around age 65, prostate cancer is not exclusively a disease of older age.
Men in their 40s and 50s — especially those with a family history of prostate cancer or who carry BRCA1/2 genetic mutations — are at higher risk.
In younger men, prostate cancer can sometimes be more aggressive, making early detection even more important.
Bottom line: If you’re in a higher risk group, talk to your doctor about starting PSA testing earlier — sometimes from age 40.
Myth #2: It always causes symptoms.
The truth: Many prostate cancers are “silent” in the early stages. You can feel perfectly healthy and still have cancer growing in the prostate.
Urinary symptoms like weak flow or frequent night-time urination are often caused by benign prostate enlargement (BPH), not cancer.
By the time symptoms appear, the cancer can be more advanced.
Bottom line: Don’t wait for symptoms — regular PSA testing from age 50 (or earlier if at higher risk) is the safest approach.
Myth #3: A high PSA means cancer.
The truth: PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a signal, not a diagnosis. It can rise for several reasons:
Larger prostate size (common with age)
Inflammation or infection (prostatitis)
Prostate cancer
How doctors check further:
Multiparametric MRI scans can detect suspicious areas before deciding on a biopsy.
Biopsies confirm whether cancer is present, and if so, how aggressive it is.
Bottom line: A high PSA is a reason to investigate, not to panic.
Myth #4: Prostate cancer grows so slowly it doesn’t need treatment.
The truth: Not all prostate cancers are the same.
Low-risk cancers (like Gleason Score 6) may grow very slowly and be safely monitored with active surveillance — avoiding treatment unless it’s truly needed.
High-risk cancers can spread quickly and do require timely treatment to save lives.
Bottom line: Management decisions depend on your individual risk profile, not just the fact you have prostate cancer.
Myth #5: Treatments always have severe side effects.
The truth: Advances in treatment have changed the game.
Robotic-assisted surgery allows for more precise removal of the prostate, lowering the risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
Modern targeted radiotherapy can focus on cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissues.
When side effects do occur, they are often temporary — and there are many strategies to help recovery.
Bottom line: Today’s treatments are far more effective and gentler than those of the past.
Treatment Options Explained
1. Surgery (Robotic-Assisted Prostatectomy)
Removes the prostate through keyhole surgery
Main side effects: temporary or permanent urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction
Recovery depends on age, fitness, and disease profile
2. Radiotherapy
Precisely targets the prostate using fiducial markers and water-based spacers
Side effects have decreased significantly due to advanced techniques
Can cause bowel or bladder issues, though less so than in the past
3. Emerging Treatments
Some men may qualify for focal therapy (treating only part of the prostate)
Still under investigation, and only suitable for a small group of patients
What You Can Do to Protect Your Prostate Health
Taking proactive steps can make a big difference in early detection, treatment options, and overall well-being. Here’s how you can stay ahead:
1. Get a PSA test every 1–2 years from age 50
Why it matters: PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing is one of the simplest and most effective tools for detecting prostate cancer early — when it’s easiest to treat.
If you’re at higher risk (family history of prostate cancer, BRCA1/2 gene mutation, African ancestry), consider starting PSA testing from age 40–45.
Early detection can mean less aggressive treatment and better outcomes.
2. Talk to your GP or urologist about symptoms or family history
Don’t ignore changes like urinary frequency, weak stream, or blood in urine — even if they seem minor.
Be open about your family history of prostate or breast cancer, as it can influence your risk.
Your doctor can arrange further tests, including multiparametric MRI scans, if needed.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Good habits support not just prostate health but overall longevity.
Diet: Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Limit processed meats and high-fat dairy.
Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.
Weight management: Keeping a healthy weight reduces inflammation and hormonal changes linked to prostate cancer.
Stress control: Chronic stress can affect immune health — try meditation, deep breathing, or hobbies you enjoy.
Here to Support You
At the Prostate Health Clinic, we’ve guided thousands of men through every stage of their prostate health journey. If you have questions or want to talk about your individual situation, start by speaking with your GP — they can arrange a referral to a urologist if needed.