You don’t need to have all of these signs — sometimes, men with prostate cancer have no symptoms at all. That’s why PSA testing and regular check-ups are essential for early detection.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common health issues facing Australian men today. In fact, it is the most frequently diagnosed solid cancer in men, and around 20,000 Australian men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis this year alone. Sadly, around 3,000 of those men will die from the disease each year.
Despite these numbers, many men remain unaware of the early warning signs, or the importance of regular screening. At The Prostate Clinic on the Gold Coast, we are passionate about early detection, and giving men the best chance at long-term health.
As a urologist, I want to walk you through what prostate cancer is, why it’s often difficult to detect early, and the warning signs you should never ignore.
Understanding the Prostate and How Cancer Develops
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder in men. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate’s job is to produce some of the fluid that makes up semen.
Prostate cancer tends to develop in the outer part of the prostate — away from the urethra. This means that, early on, the cancer often doesn’t cause any symptoms because it doesn’t block urine flow until it has grown significantly.
This is one of the key reasons many men are diagnosed only after the cancer has already spread — often to the lymph nodes or bones.
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Could This Be a Sign of Prostate Cancer?
Common Questions Men Ask — and What to Watch For
"I'm going to the toilet more often — especially at night. Should I be worried?"
This could be a sign of an enlarged prostate or something more serious like prostate cancer. Frequent urination, especially during the night, is worth investigating.
"It takes me a while to start urinating — is that normal?"
This is called hesitancy. If it’s becoming a pattern, speak with your doctor. It may indicate a blockage or irritation in the urinary tract.
"My urine flow is weak and sometimes it stops midstream."
A weakened or interrupted stream could mean the prostate is pressing on the urethra — either due to benign growth or cancer.
"Why does it sting when I urinate?"
Stinging or burning usually points to infection or inflammation, but in some cases, prostate cancer may be involved. Either way, don’t ignore it.
"I’ve seen blood in my urine or semen. Should I be concerned?"
Yes. Even a single episode of visible blood needs urgent medical review. It could be linked to cancer or another serious condition.
"My ejaculation is painful — is that a sign of cancer?"
Painful ejaculation isn't common and could indicate inflammation or a prostate issue. Best to get it checked.
"My erections have changed — could that be related to my prostate?"
Possibly. Nerves that control erections sit right next to the prostate, and changes could indicate a nerve or blood flow issue.
"I’ve had persistent pain in my lower back and hips. Should I get a scan?"
Pain in these areas could be due to many things — but if it’s unexplained and ongoing, it’s important to rule out spread of prostate cancer to the bones.
"I’ve lost weight without trying — should I be worried?"
Unintentional weight loss can be a red flag for many serious conditions, including cancer. Always worth discussing with your GP.
"I just feel tired and unwell. Could that be my prostate?"
General fatigue can be caused by many things, but when combined with any of the symptoms above, it’s time to investigate further.
Why You Might Not Notice Symptoms — And Why That’s a Problem
One of the most important things to understand is that many men with prostate cancer will have no symptoms at all. That’s why relying on symptoms alone is risky.
Most early-stage prostate cancers are found through screening, not symptoms. That’s why we recommend regular PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood tests, especially for:
Men aged 50 and over
Men aged 40+ with a family history of prostate cancer
Men of African or Caribbean descent, who have a higher risk of aggressive disease
PSA testing is simple, widely available, and can detect changes in the prostate long before symptoms appear.
What You Should Do Next
If you:
Have experienced any of the symptoms listed above
Are due (or overdue) for a PSA test
Have a family history of prostate cancer
… then please talk to your GP or book an appointment with us to discuss your risk and whether screening is appropriate for you.
The good news is that prostate cancer is highly treatable when caught early. In fact, for men diagnosed early, the 5-year survival rate is over 95%.
At The Prostate Clinic, we are here to guide you through every stage of your prostate health journey — from early detection and diagnosis to advanced treatment options when needed.
If you ever have questions, concerns, or need advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your GP, who will start the ball rolling with any required tests depending on your symptoms and refer you to a Urologist.